Kola Oyelere | Kano
No fewer than 200 pharmaceutical workers in Kano may lose their means of livelihood following an enforcement of a court order issued by a Kano High Court against a pharmaceutical factory in the state.
The property, situated on plot 157/159 Club Road in the metropolis and known as Ugolab Production Nigeria Limited, has been under legal contention between the owners of the lab and the family of Idris Yaro in the last 14 years.
The property tussle however assumed fresh dimension during the weekend when a team of court bailiffs stormed the premises and evacuated production equipment, after which men of the Nigerian Police Force were stationed to barricade the entry and exit of the laboratory, preventing officials and workers access to their workplace.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, most of the workers who pleaded to speak on condition of anonymity, said they were at crossroads and in agony not knowing the next step to take, going by the prevailing economic situation in the country.
The owners of the pharmaceutical company on the property in contest, who claimed to have legally purchased the estate 20 years ago, expressed displeasure over the court order and reclaim process being enforced by the heirs of Yaro family.
While addressing journalists on the development, the General Manager, Operations and Administration, Ugolab, Mr. Chris Metu lamented what he described as invasion of Ugolab property by the court bailiff as illegal and violation of court order.
Mr. Metu, who confirmed the verdict of Kano High Court which ruled on the ownership of the contentious property in favour of Yaro family, insisted that the forceful taking over of the property was outright, since the matter has already been slated for hearing at the Appeal Court.
His words, “We have been in Kano High Court for years with Yaro family against Ugolab and UBA. The matter was to acquire a property on 157/159 along Club Road, Kano where the facility of Ugolab is sighted. On August 19, 2021, the Kano High Court delivered a judgement in favour of Yaro family to take possession of the property in question.
“Upon the ruling of the court, the legal team of Ugolab challenged the judgment of the lower court at the Appeal Court, where we secured ex-parte order for stay of execution of the lower court order. Meaning all parties involved are expected to maintain status quo pending the hearing of the appeal which was already fixed for November 30, 2021.
“Now while waiting for the case at the Appeal Court, we suddenly noticed the staff of Kano High Court evacuating property in the Ugolab facility against the court ruling. This is sad and unfortunate because they have interrupted the lawful business and obstructed the workers from going about their daily routine.
“All we wanted is for the rule of law to prevail. All we ask is for them to obey the court order because the injunction of the Appeal Court is the higher and superior authority. You can’t send more than 200 workers out of their daily bread unnoticed. Several mouths have been prevented from eating. Where do you expect these people to go from here? They have removed our AC and very important facility from the laboratory,” Metu said.
Meanwhile, the counsel to the Yaro family, Barr. Ahmad Sani Bawa stated that the reclaim of the property and forceful eviction of the occupants of the facility was an execution of court order.
Bawa reminded that Justice Usman Na’aba of Kano High Court held a judgment on August 19, 2021 in favour of Idris Yaro’s family as rightful owner of the property. He claimed to be unaware or served with any motion from the Appeal Court for stay of execution.
Bawa, who faulted the claim of Mr. Metu, instead the Ugolab Production Nigeria Limited should have been held culprit for breaking the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter.
Counsel to the Yaro family, who explained that the property in question had since 2007 been determined by five Justices of the Supreme Court which ruled in favour of his client, raised concern on how the legal team of Ugolab misled their client and contravened the decision of the apex court.
According to Bawa, “Let me make this clear, the action of the bailiff was simply an execution of court judgment, delivered by Justice Usman Na’aba who vehemently declared his refusal to tamper with the judgment of the Supreme Court.
“It is important to let you know that the case in question has already been determined by five Justices of the Supreme Court. Now, I heard the plaintiff claiming we are violating the rule of law while instead they should be held responsible for contempt of court. The era of technicalities in law is over. How can you claim the judgment of the Supreme Court is expired and that the right of the Yaro family can be waived after 10 years?
“This is most unfortunate and least expected from a lawyer who has the privilege of the court to misled client with the hope of coming up with technicalities that cannot work because that era is over. In fact, we are considering putting up a petition against their lawyer for the ridiculous action.
“As for the motion on stay of execution, I am not aware because I have not been served. Instead, I am aware of the application forwarded to the High Court but has since been struck out,” Bawa noted.
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