Hotelier petitions Rights Commission over NDLEA ‘invasion

From Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos

A Lagos-based hotelier, Mr. Ayobami Moses Idowu, has submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging unlawful invasion, property destruction, and the theft of his gold necklace worth N50m by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Idowu’s legal representatives, Complete Solicitors and Advocates, based in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, submitted the petition titled “Unlawful Invasion of Mr. Ayobami Moses Idowu’s Residence and Business Premises by NDLEA Officers,” urging the commission to ensure justice for their client.

Copies of the petition were forwarded to relevant authorities, including the Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), representative of Ifako/Ijaiye at the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Adeyemi and the Commander of the Lagos office of the NDLEA for further scrutiny and action.

The petition described Idowu as a law-abiding Nigerian, employer, and community role model with decade-long business operations managing D&G Motor Dealer Enterprises Limited and D&G Hotel, Event and Suites.

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Despite his clean records, the petition highlighted repeated harassment by NDLEA officers alleging coercion for monetary gain through threats and invasive tactics.

The document detailed instances of prior arrests without incriminating evidence, culminating in the recent invasion of Idowu’s property on February 29, 2024.

Over 40 NDLEA officers allegedly stormed his premises, ransacking his home and subsequently his hotel on Clem Road, Ijaiye Ojokoro, causing chaos and financial losses.

The petition claimed that following the invasion of the hotel, the petitioner had suffered reputational damage, loss of clientele, and financial strain, jeopardising his ability to meet business obligations and potentially leading to job losses for over thirty employees.

In light of these injustices, Idowu’s legal team called on the NHRC to investigate and safeguard their client’s fundamental rights, urging intervention to rectify the damages inflicted by NDLEA actions.

When contacted, spokesman for the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi said, “The raid on the hotel was duly authorized because the owner is a wanted suspect.”