Firms Seize Sports Ministry’s Properties Over N9.9m Debt

FRANCIS ACHI/Abuja

It was a big embarrassment at the National Stadium, Abuja when three companies -Zeminex Nig. Ltd, Micnovos Nig. Ltd, B.N. Donagel Ltd.- seized properties beloging to the Federal Ministry of Sports over N9.9 million debt owed the companies by the ministry.

The properties seized are three buses, one Hilux truck, two Mikano Generators and other valuables that are estimated to be higher in amount to the debt being owed these companies.

Speaking exclusively to PMEXPRESS correspondent in Abuja, Barrister  Nwude I. Emmanuel, the principal partner of Ifeanyi Nwude & Associates, representing the companies said that they are carrying out the order of the  FCT High Court enforcement unit after the ministry failed to pay the debt since 2010.

“We are simply obeying the judgement of the court for the failure of the ministry of sports to pay the debt owed  our clients since 2010. The amount is N9.9 million. The matter can only be resolved if the ministry can start payment of the debt. They should show interest in paying the debt even if it is in installment,” said Nwude.

He added that: “The case went to court on 12 May 2016 and the judgement was passed on 6 March, 2017 and the judgement of the court was served the ministry on 23 March, 2017. Unfortunately, no positive response came from the ministry”.

Efforts to get the reaction of the ministry of sports officials to this ugly development proved abortive, just as a reliable source informed that no top official of the ministry will be willing to speak on the matter.