Evans loses N1bn suit against Police

A Federal High Court in Lagos State on Tuesday ruled in favor of the Nigeria Police in a fundamental rights enforcement procedure suit filed by Evans over the seizure of several properties.

It was gathered that Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to oversee the case. He asked that the suit be brought before the Lagos State High Court, where the applicant is currently facing various charges based on kidnapping.

Evans had expected that court would declare that the alleged forceful seizure of his properties including N1 billion, two residential houses located at Magodo, Lagos State, a Brigade Wristwatch worth $20,000 among others, which was carried out without any court order, as illegal and unconstitutional.

The suit had also included a declaration asking for the release of the properties, asking the court for an order compelling the respondents to unconditionally unseal and vacate without delay, the two residential houses located at Magodo.

“The only conclusion I can draw is that the properties were taken consequent upon his trial for kidnapping before the Lagos State High Court. This court must be careful not to interfere with due process of the ongoing trial of the applicant before the Lagos State High Court. This court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain this case; same is hereby struck out,” she said.

Evans also sought an apology from the respondents and a settlement of $1billion for the damages as a result of the forceful seizure of his property, and an injunction restraining the respondents from taking any more of his properties in relation to the case.