From Isaac Ojo
An Nnewi-based businessman, Mr. Ejike Mbamalu, proprietor of Nnewi Auto Spare Parts, has approached the Federal High Court, Court 2, sitting in Awka, seeking protection over what he described as repeated harassment and alleged infringement of his fundamental rights.
In the suit, FHC/AWK/CS/355/25, Mr. Mbamalu listed Mr. Chikwado Ejimbe, also known as Chinovas as 1st Respondent, alongside Mr. Ernest Mgbonye, 2nd Respondent, Mr. Ignatius Izuchukwu Okwudoro, 3rd Respondent, Police Inspector Anselm Igbarago 4th Respondent, Sgt. Gabriel Unagy 5th Respondent, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police 6th Respondent, the Inspector-General of Police 7th Respondent and the Nigeria Police Force 8th Respondent.
Counsel to Mr Mbamalu, T.S Arugbuonye of T.S Arugbuonye & Associates, stated in a seven-point application that his client’s constitutional rights had been repeatedly violated.
According to the application, Mr. Mbamalu had allegedly been arrested on several occasions following complaints made by the 1st Respondent, with the involvement of some of the other listed Respondents.
The lawyer further stated that his client had previously been discharged in a criminal case involving allegations of conspiracy, burglary and stealing, which, according to him, was instituted by the 1st Respondent.
He added that the Magistrate court had earlier ordered the release of goods impounded from his client, an order which was subsequently complied with by the relevant authorities.
T.S Arugbuonye however alleged that many of the recovered goods had been damaged during the period they remained in custody, resulting in substantial financial losses for his client.
According to him, despite the earlier court judgment, the 1st Respondent allegedly continued to instigate the police to arrest his client and seal his business premises while disregarding existing court orders.
He further alleged that the 1st Respondent had threatened to force his client out of Nnewi in order to enjoy monopoly of business, an action he argued violates the constitutional right to freedom of movement and residence of his client.
“Chikwado Ejimbe also known as Chinovas, the 1st Respondent, a very wealthy man who have boasted to have the police at his beck and call, has vowed to deal with my client, in all manners as he continue to torment him, setting the law maliciously in motion against my client, through the Police and Market Executives,” Arugbuonye stressed.
Arugbuonye stated that his client and the 1st Respondent operate businesses at the New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkwo Nnewi, and alleged that the dispute had adversely affected his client’s business operations.
“The continuous infringement of the applicant’s rights at the instance of the 1st Respondent has become alarming. That is why we have approached the Federal High Court to protect my client from what we consider intimidation and harassment,” he said.
The lawyer noted that inspite of the fact that his client had earlier secured victory in the matter before the Nnewi Magistrate Court in Suit No. NMC/231C/2019, the alleged acts of intimidation did not cease.
He said that his client is asking the Federal High Court to declare that the actions of the Respondents constitute a violation of his fundamental rights and have negatively affected his business.
Among the reliefs sought, by the applicant is requesting an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents from further harassment or intimidation him.
T.S Arugbuonye said that his client Mr. Mbamalu is also seeking ₦1 billion as damages for the alleged losses suffered, as well as ₦5 million as the cost of litigation.
