A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Ogun State House of Assembly and the Nigeria Police to appear before it on November 1.

According to the court, the assembly members ought to show cause why it should not grant the reliefs sought by a former Managing Director of the Ogun Property Investment Corporation, Mr Babajide Odusola, against them.The respondents in the suit are the Clerk of the Ogun State House of Assembly; Inspector-General of Police; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone II, and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command.

Justice Peter Lifu gave the order for parties to appear and show cause, following an exparte application filed by Odusola’s counsel, seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights against the respondents.

The applicant is seeking an order to restrain the respondents from taking any action in relation to a report by the assembly, through invitation or arrest, pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.

In an affidavit in support of his application, the applicant averred that sometimes in October 2020, he received a letter from the assembly, requesting him to appear at the sitting of its Public Account and Anti-Corruption Committee.

He said the sitting was purportedly to clarify some alleged irregularities in the activities of OPIC, adding that prior to the letter, he had never received any complaints or charges against him as OPIC managing director.

According to the applicant, he honoured the invitation by the PAAC but was surprised when he was confronted with allegations of misappropriation OPIC funds, which he had not been previously informed about or queried for.The applicant said shortly after his visit to the committee, both social and traditional media were alive with news of his investigation for alleged fraudulent activities during his tenure as OPIC managing director.

According to him, media trial without conclusion of investigation or admitting evidence against him was an infringement on his personal liberty.

He, therefore, sought an interim order directing parties to maintain status quo in respect of the decision of the assembly, pending the determination of the originating motion.

He also asked for an order restraining the respondents from taking further steps in relation to the subject matter pending the determination of the suit.

He contended that the assembly lacks the competence to investigate an alleged crime, and that the chairman of the committee that was purported to have investigated OPIC funds was himself an interested party who served together with him in the previous administration and even inspected some OPIC projects which he now claims have not been executed.The suit was filed on his behalf by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).

The reliefs sought by Odusolu include N10billion as general, punitive and aggravated damages against the OGHA for the violation of his fundamental rights.

“The respondents are hereby given seven days from today to appear and show cause why the prayers of the applicant should not be granted,” the judge held.

The court also ordered the respondents to respond to the applicant’s motion within seven days from Monday.

The judge adjourned till November 1, 2021 for hearing.