A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, warned parties not to fall into contempt after police officers allegedly attempted to arrest the embattled Managing Director of HealthPlus Ltd, Bukky George, on the court’s premises.
Mrs George is Plaintiff in a suit involving HealthPlus Ltd, HealthPlus Africa Holdings Ltd, Dr. Ayo Salami, Ms. Afsane Jetha, Mr. Zachary Fond and Mr. Deji Akinyanju,
The alleged arrest attempt occurred after Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo had already adjourned the suit till November 16 for ruling on who should represent the first defendant.
The judge had also fixed 27th November for hearing of the substantive suit, with parties dispersing.
George and her lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, who had already left the room, rushed back in.
They informed the judge that the police were outside and attempted to arrest George, contrary to an earlier undertaking by the defence.
According to them, defence counsel, Mr Oluseye Opasanya, SAN, had made an undertaking to the effect that no such step would be taken, adding that he held a duty to court and to his clients.
Ruling on Ayorinde’s application for the court’s protection, Justice Oguntoyinbo ordered the parties to maintain status quo.
The judge said: “I have listened to learned Senior Advocate Of Nigeria, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde that in contradiction of the undertaking made by the defendant, the police still attempted to arrest the Plaintiff.
“The court will not fold its arms and allow anarchy in a case pending before it.
“Consequently an order of status quo is hereby made. Nobody should take any step that will undermine the the decision of this court. If anybody does so, such will be in contempt of court.”
In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/609/2020, George is seeking to stop her removal as CEO, announced by the Board of HealthPlus Limited on September 25, 2020.
The company announced a change in its management with Chidi Okoro, joining as Chief Transformation Officer.
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