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Investors Ask Court To Freeze Assets Of Late Bukka Hut Co-Founder Laolu Martins

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Following the controversy surrounding the death of Laolu Martins, an investment banker and co-founder of fast food chain, Bukka Hut, some of his investors have approached the Lagos High Court sitting in Osborne, Ikoyi, to secure their investments.

The court has subsequently granted an order of Mareva injunction, restraining commercial banks in the country from dealing with his assets and any accounts linked to him.

Justice (Dr) Rasul Olukolu granted the order at the instance of Brooks & Oakland International Limited, Revent Global Finance Limited and Mr Akintayo Oyekunle, who are listed as the 1st to 3rd claimants applicants in a suit filed against NISL Ventures Ltd, Nigerian International Securities Ltd & The Estate of Laolu Martins, all of whom are listed as the 1st to 3rd defendants.

Through their lawyer, Adetunji Adedoyin-Adeniyi of AAA chambers, the applicants filed a motion exparte before the court. They submitted that the late Laolu Martins is the alter ego of the 2 other defendant companies, NISL Ventures & Nigerian International Securities Ltd.

Their lawyer also told the court that his clients invested in the companies because of the late investment banker and with his passing, it was imperative for them to recover their funds before his family & others begin to dissipate the funds in the defendant companies.

They, therefore, asked the court to freeze the companies assets and accounts to the extent of their investments.

They specifically asked the court “to restrain 21 commercial banks in the country from releasing, further releasing or dealing in any manner whatsoever with any and all monies and/or whatsoever assets due to the Defendants from any account whatsoever maintained by the 1st – 3rd Defendants and also all accounts linked to the Estate of the 3rd Defendant with BVN: 22151716038 (Late Laolu Martins), their agents, privies, subsidiaries, sister companies and beneficiaries or the like with any of the said Banks wherever situate up to the amount of the Claimant/Applicant’s total claim of the sum of N118,055,936.59 (One Hundred and Eighteen Million, Fifty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six Naira, Fifty-Nine Kobo Only), being the outstanding investments and return on investments accruing to the Claimants/Applicants from the Defendants as at the 29t September 2022, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

They all asked the court for “AN ORDER OF MAREVA INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their directors, agents, servants, officers, privies, subsidiaries, sister companies, beneficiaries or any other person natural or artificial howsoever called under the control of the Defendants from transferring or otherwise dealing with any and all of the monies standing to the credit of the Defendants in any account whatsoever maintained by the Defendants with any of the aforementioned Banks wherever situate up to the amount of the Claimants /Applicants’ Claim of the total sum of N118,055,936.59 (One Hundred and Eighteen Million, Fifty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six Naira, Fifty-Nine Kobo Only), being the outstanding investments and return on investments accruing to the Claimants/Applicants from the Defendants as at the 29th September, 2022, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

“An ORDER of this Honourable Court restraining the 1st – 3rd Defendants and their privies from selling, transferring, assigning and/or dealing with properties of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants that can be traced and located by Claimants/Applicants during the pendency of this suit.

“An ORDER directing the above-named Banks to file and serve on the Claimants/Applicants’ Counsel within 7 days of service of the order on them, an affidavit disclosing the balance on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants’ account whatsoever maintained with the banks as at the date of the Order.

“An ORDER of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Claimants/Applicants to serve the following processes, to wit: Originating Summons, Affidavit in support of the originating summons, written address in support of the originating summons with accompanying Exhibits (collectively “the originating processes”), the Motion on Notice for mareva injunction; and all other processes that may be issued in this suit on the Estate of Late Laolu Martins by way of substituted service; to wit; pasting on Late Laolu Martins’ last known address which is No. 3, Alhaji Kanike Close, Off Awolowo Road, South West Ikoyi, Lagos AND for such order or orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

After reading the 33-paragraph affidavit in support of the application and examining the eight (8) grounds upon which the application was predicated, and the depositions in the affidavit in support, the Court held that it is satisfied that this is a deserving circumstance in which orders of Mareva injunction and substituted service can be granted.

The Court said it drew inspiration from Sections 10, 13 and 18 of the High Court Law of Lagos State and Orders 9 Rule 5 and 42 Rule 1 of the Rules of Court, 2019 and the cases of I. F. C. V. DSNL Offshore Ltd (2008), Durojaiye V. Continental Feeders (Nig.) Ltd. ((2001), and Sotiminu V Ocean Steamship Nig. Ltd (1992) where the Supreme Court, per Nnaemeka-Agu, JSC (as he then was) expressly stamped with judicial authority the powers of the High Court of Lagos State to grant orders of Mareva injunctions.

Justice Olukolu granted all the requests of the applicants pending the determination of the motion on notice pending before the court.

He ordered all the banks to file and serve an affidavit disclosing the monies standing in the credit of the defendants within seven (7) days of the service of the order on them.

The court then adjourned to the 14th of Nov. 2022 for a report of service and for further hearing.

The affected banks are Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Citi Bank, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, First City Monument Bank, Globus Bank, Heritage Bank, Jaiz Bank, Keystone Bank, Polaris Bank, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank, Union Bank, United Bank for Africa, Unity Bank, Wema Bank and Zenith Bank.

Laolu Martins died on Tuesday, September 27, after giving in to his battle against depression.

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Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

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By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

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Ogun State Prominent Monarchs, Business Tycoons, Others Honor Olusho Agba At The Confession 2024

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The Olusho Agba’s confession 2024 attracted more dignitaries as three respected monarchs in Ogun honour the event by physical appearance, alongside side most prominent CEOs in Ogun.

 

The royal fathers present at the laudable event held at Continental Suits in Abeokuta include HRM Oba Oyabanji Adetunji (Oloja Of Oja Odan) HRM Oba Buhari Makinde (Oniwoye of Iwoye Land) HRM. Oba Lukmon Kuoye (Olu of Imasayi).

 

Also Chief Executive Officer of IBD Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Lara Dende, the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited Amb. Dr Tunde Adeyemo and CEO of Zolakaz Oil and Gas Alh. Sanni Azeez was also present at the event.

 

The Confession 2024 features a series of content creators, comedians, singers and dancers, and artists of different fields such as Dr Smile, Hafeez Oyetoro (Simply Saka), Woli 3310, Chukwuka Jude, Babalegba

Biola Adekunle, Femi Obimodede, Ishau Abidemi, and many more.

 

Below are some pictures from the event…

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Wife drags Ex-UBA Top Shot, Samuel Eziafa Adikamkwu to court over abandonment of family, infidelity …….Petitions IGP over threat to life

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Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gudu District and presided over by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi, on Wednesday adjourned to January 19, 2025 a divorce case instituted by Mrs. Loretta Adikamkwu against her husband, Samuel Eziafa Adikamkwu, a former top official of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

 

The mother of four, Mrs. Adikamkwu has dragged her husband of over 31 years to court for divorce over abandonment of the family for more than four years and alleged infidelity.

 

According to court document seen by our reporter with Suit number PET/073/2023, Mrs. Adikamkwu alleged that her husband packed out of their matrimonial home at Recreation Drive, Cooperative Villas, Badore, Ajah, Lagos and removed almost all his belongings therefrom (which included personal chattels, clothing and six vehicles of assorted brands) leaving behind the petitioner only vehicle (a Toyota land Cruiser) he gave to her some years back.

 

 

She further alleged that Mr. Adikamkwu withdrew all financial support and upkeep to the family, prompting her to desperately begin to dispose of all her belongings, in order to feed herself, the children and meet urgent Sundry costs, arising from the running of the home.

 

She also alleged in Paragraph 6(c) of her petition that after her husband abandoned his family, he was said to have been cohabiting with a lady called Miss Stella Umejuru with whom he regularly travels outside Lagos for business.

 

Mrs. Adikamkwu declared that her husband, who was formerly a Lecturer at Bendel State University, (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma before Ndidi Elumelu, his friend, facilitated his employment by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has no reason whatsoever not to cater for his family as he is now engaged in booming property business after leaving the bank.

 

 

 

According to the lady, who is a graduate of Bendel State University, she would have been financially independent and be in position to cater for herself and the children but for her husband who stopped her from working several years ago.

 

She stressed that because of the financial difficulties she was facing with her children she was compelled to sell the Toyota land Cruiser which her husband gave to her some years back to maintain the house that was dilapidating, settle numerous bills, including electricity and other sundry expenses.

 

The lady lamented that her husband got furious when he heard she had sold the car and he succeeded in retrieving the vehicle from a car dealer and the issue is now a subject of police investigation as some unknown persons have been stalking her and threatening her life since the family feud erupted.

 

 

However, the Respondent vehemently denies the averments contained in paragraph 6(c) of the petition and states that he does not know, neither is he acquainted with anybody ( lady) called Miss Stella Umejuru, and denies that he lives or travels with either the said lady or any lady at all.

 

The Respondent also denied the assertions contained in paragraph 6(d) of the petition and denied that he has committed adultery or that he has deserted the petitioner.

 

He admitted he is no longer living in the family house in Lagos as he had to “temporally relocate to Abuja when he secured a Contract Appointment with The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) from 2021 to June, 2024.

 

Mr. Adikamkwu added an affidavit in response to his wife’s petition that he “is not aware that there is any debt burden on the family, but states that if there is any such debt, it is personal to the petitioner.”

 

 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Adikamkwu has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over issues arising from the sale of the Toyota Land Cruiser which her husband gave her several years ago.

 

The letter to the IGP dated 4 October, 2024 titled “SOS-request for urgent intervention in a case of forgery, threat to lives and high handedness by officers of the Bar Beach Police Station, and Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos” was written on her behalf by one of her Lawyers, Benjamin Nwaokenye, Esq of Integrity Partners law firm, Abuja.

 

Part of the letter reads: “We are solicitors to Mrs. Loretta Adikamkwu (hereinafter referred to as “Our client”, at whose behest, we act in this matter. We write to seek your urgent intervention in a looming threat to the life of our client, and a seeming case of forgery perpetrated against her, by Ojebola and Messrs, Sam Adikamkwu, Segun Ajide, Gbenga ASP Churchill of the Bar Beach Police Station, Lagos.

 

 

To put this matter in the right perspective, we are reliably informed by our aforesaid client that: (a) She was hitherto married to one Mr. Sam Adikamkwu , from whom she is now separated and now locked in a bitter judicial process, in a petition for divorce in PET/073/2023, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja).

 

“(b) The aforesaid Mr. Sam Adikamkwu, prior to the aforesaid divorce proceedings, vacated their Badore (Ajah) residence, where he hitherto resided with our client, and removed almost all his belongings therefrom (which included personal chattels, clothing and six vehicles of assorted brands) leaving behind our client, only vehicle (a Toyota land Cruiser) he gave to our client some years back, and strangely, a short machine gun, which was discovered in his wardrobe, in the course of cleaning the house, having forgotten to lock the bedroom door. ( see attached pictures)

 

The aforesaid Mr. Adikamkwu, it must be reiterated, withdrew all financial support and upkeep to our client and the family, prompting our client to desperately begin to dispose of all her belongings, in order to feed herself, the children and meet urgent Sundry costs, arising from the running of the home.

 

“In the course of disposing of her personal belongings, our client contacted one Mr. Segun Ajide, a car dealer, to assist in disposing off her Toyota land cruiser, and thereupon delivered to him, the Original custom and purchase papers of the vehicle, which the dealer demanded.

 

“Mr. Ajide sold our client’s vehicle, debited her with some colossal costs and remitted the balance to our client.

 

“Weeks afterwards, Mr. Ajide contacted our client to inform her that the vehicle had been impounded from the purchaser by Mr. Adikamkwu, with the help of one Mr. Churchill of the Bar Beach Police Station, and thereupon requested our client to intervene.

 

 

Our client insisted on intervening only if a formal invitation was sent to her, which the aforesaid persons could not procure, but resorted to harassing our client.

 

“Mr. Segun was later to inform our client that the vehicle had been released to Mr. Sam Adikamkwu by the Bar Beach Police Station

 

“Upon the request of our client to Mr. Segun Ajide for copies of all documents related to the sale, Mr. Ajide was evasive, until Mr. Adikamkwu filed his answer to our client’s petition wherein, it was discovered that several documents were forged by Mr. Ajide and the eventual purchaser Mr, Odebola, in the alleged sale without probable cause. .

 

“Prior to discovering the forgery, our client had been trailed by strange people, who at different times followed her home, and even laid siege on her place of resident at Recreation Estate Badore, forcing her to flee for her safety, to an unknown location.

 

 

Our client a few days back, received a WhatsApp invitation from the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, which directed her to meet up with someone, only whose phone numbers were stated in the invitation, but upon calling the line, our client was shocked, that the number was not allocated, causing more anxiety that, it must be a setup.

 

“Sir, our client is unable to carry on her normal business and live a normal life because, she has been living in fear for her safety, believing her life is endangered by the activities of Messrs. Adikamkwu, Ajide and Odebola, who from all indications, are behind her travails, having opted to brow’ beating her into retrieving the vehicle for them, and they are all men of means who can effectuate their threats.

 

“We are informed by our client also that, before the situation got to this dimension, Messrs. Ajide and Odebola, who from all indications, are behind her travails, had consistently called our client to know her where about, and had requested she came with them to see some policemen, without any arrest or invitation.

 

 

Sir, we solicit your esteemed indulgence to cause an investigation into this matter, to safeguard the life of our client from people who are determined to use their police friends, to intimidate and endanger our client, taking into consideration: (a) The forgeries executed by Messrs. Segun Ajide, Gbenga Ojebola and Sam Adikamkwu, using policemen from Bar Beach Police station, far removed from Ajah division of the police, in an attempt to cover same up, and revalidate their actions.

 

(b) The threat to our client’s life in the whole circumstance.

 

(d) The release of the vehicle By the Bar Beach police station, to Mr. Adikamkwu, without any probable cause.”

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