Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Ohha Microfinance Bank Enugu has threatened to sue the Enugu State Government and demanded N100 billion for the demolition of its corporate headquarters at No. 1 Ogui Road Enugu.
This was contained in a pre-action notice letter written by it counsel, Olu Omotayo Esq. and addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia dated June 5th 2024 and made available to Ikengaonline in Enugu.
The letter reads in part: “We write to you on behalf of Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited formerly of No.1, Ogui Road, Enugu whom we shall hereafter refer to as our client.
“We have its instructions and authority to issue this Pre Action Notice.
“This is to inform you that the Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited was formerly carrying on its business of banking at its corporate headquarters at No.1, Ogui Road, Enugu, as at the 13th May 2024, before the officials and agents of the Enugu State Government led by the Commissioner for Transport Enugu State came to its’ office on 13th May 2024, and gave it 72 hours Notice to vacate its over 35 years legal occupation of its corporate headquarters.
“OSISATECH Polytechnic the holder of the Main Lease who granted Sublease to Ohha Microfinance Bank had in order to prevent the illegal demolition of our clients’ properties and other properties on the demised premises approached the Federal Court Enugu, in suit No.FHC/EN/CS/78/2024, and got a restraining Order against the Enugu State government not to destroy any properties on the land in question;
“The said Order of Court granted on the 14th May 2024, is attached herewith.”
Omotayo added that the state government and its officials on the 15th day of May 2024, in defiance to the court order, moved heavy duty bulldozers and caterpillars onto the property and demolished the headquarters of “our client, including movable properties like internet providing equipments and other items.”
“Till date the “Bank Safe” which worth millions of Naira could not be recovered from the rubbles or may have been cannibalised by either the agents of the government and scavengers,” he said.
According to the counsel: “This letter is therefore important in compliance with Pre Action Notice requirement before instituting action against the state government and its officials.
“Be informed also that we intend to take appropriate legal action on behalf of our client as soon as the period of three months stipulated by the Law expires.”
