Court Adjourns Nigerian Army Rent Suit to April 2025

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice D.S. Pam, has adjourned a suit against the Nigerian Army concerning unpaid rent to houseboat contractors, Peach Integrated Services Limited, Godsam Industrial Services Limited, and Etucom Integrated Services Limited.

The case involves a claim of 26 months of unpaid rent for houseboats seized by the Nigerian Army, which are utilized in operations against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta. The plaintiffs, represented by counsel Mbata Chiburoma, are demanding full payment and the release of the seized boats.

The defendants, including the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chief of Defence Staff, have filed a counter-application. The matter has been adjourned to April 15, 2025, for further hearing.

During the court session, workers affected by the seizure protested outside, calling for intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting their financial struggles due to unpaid salaries and the deteriorating condition of the seized boats.