28th April, 2011
One of the commandants of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Prince Benjamin Saliu Ikani, has commenced committal to prison proceeding against the chairman of the anti-drug agency and its secretary/director general, for allegedly disobeying the order of a Federal High Court.
The applicant is recommending a prison term of one year for the alleged contemnors.
In a sworn affidavit filed before a Federal High Court, the applicant alleged that on 9 December, 2010, a Federal High Court made an interim order that the chairman/chief executive officer of NDLEA and the agency should restore forthwith all the benefits and appurtenances of his office as Assistant Commander of Nacotics within 48 hours of service of the order pending the hearing and determination of his suit.
However, Prince Ikani averred that since the said order was made and served on the agency and its chairman, it has not been complied with fully, instead, it has been selective and as such, has been denied benefits entitled to him by virtue of his office in total disregard of the court’s order.
He averred further that the chairman and the agency have wantonly promoted those that were by far his junior in service, with some of them given double promotion on the same day in order to place them over him and his position as a commander.
The applicant contended that there is absolutely no reason for the alleged contemnors not to promote him and therefore, in the interest of justice, the court should commit them to prison for contempt unless they speedily purge themselves of their infamous contemptuous acts.
The case has been adjourned till next month, when the proceeding will be heard.