PFC Sues Firm, Police Over Disruptions, Arrests

A suit for N150 billion has been instituted by Petroleum Financial Corporate (PFC) Group and Follassey Contractors before a Rivers State High Court, Nchia Division, as general damages against Metal Construction  Company, its Managing Director, Mr. Joseph and Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Friday Ebuka.
In the Suit number NHC/125/ CS/2022, the claimant, PFC, was seeking the court declaration that it was appointed by Rivers State Ministry of Environment as its technical consultant in wrecks clearing on and around the waterways, river banks, creeks and mangrove forest of the State.
The claimant also wants the court to declare that the first defendant, Metal Construction  Company, falsely claimed ownership of wrecks on and around the waterways and rivers in the state and  in turn instigated the  State Police Commissioner to stop PFC from performing its assignment and arresting its workers.
The claimant, PFC, also was seeking the court to issue a perpetual injunction that the first defendant, Metal Construction Company, was not the bona fide owner of the wrecks and should desist from further stoppage of the ongoing wreck clearing exercise.
It also asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police from stopping the enforcement of the court judgement of July 8, 2020 in favour of Rivers State Government.
The stoppage of the wreck clearing exercise and arrest of its workers,  PFC noted, had caused  it enormous waste of resources and therefore is asking for one hundred and fifty billion naira as  general damages.
The court granted the request of the claimant to serve the defendants within 42 calender days in the first instance, directing them to make appearance as the court may proceed and give judgement if the defendants defaulted.

By: Tonye Nria-Dappa