The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri, presided over by Hon. Justice Anthony Akpovi, has granted an order restraining the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Police Force from sealing or interfering with the business operations of Samsedi Electrical Company Ltd, pending the determination of the originating motion.
The case, filed under Suit No.HCW/FHR/347/2024: Samsedi Electrical Company Ltd v. Inspector General of Police & Standard Organization of Nigeria, was heard on November 8, 2024. The applicant’s counsel, Kunle Edun, SAN, argued that SON failed to comply with its own guidelines by refusing to serve the applicant any violation notice, search warrant, or court order before SON officials unlawfully entered the business premises of the applicant and seized electric cables and wires worth more than ₦200 million without signing an inventory for the confiscated items.
During the court proceedings, Edun emphasized that the actions of SON officials were in clear violation of the organization’s established protocols and the fundamental rights of the applicant. He further stressed that the lack of proper documentation and inventory of the seized goods raised serious concerns about the legality and transparency of the operation.
In his ruling, Justice Akpovi granted the applicant’s request, effectively restraining SON and the police from sealing or interfering with the operations of Samsedi Electrical Company Ltd until the originating motion is determined. The judge also directed the respondents to file an inventory of the items taken from the applicant’s premises within two weeks of being served the enrolled order of the court.