Case between Imo Govt and ex-Deputy Governor now before Appeal Court
…Zenith Bank to open its doors to its customers immediately
The Imo State Government has informed the public that the court case which necessitated the sealing of branches of Zenith Bank in the State is now before the Court of Appeal.
Recall that the Police had on Thursday, June 02, 2022, morning sealed Zenith Bank branches in Owerri, Imo State, over a litigation involving a former Deputy-Governor of Imo state, Eze Madumere
A Garnishee Order by the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Owerri had given the police the go-ahead to seal the banks. The court had directed Zenith Bank to settle Madumere’s entitlements, totalling N1.9 billion.
Imo State Government said in a statement that the case is now before the Court of Appeal and has therefore urged the bank to open its doors to its customers immediately as it would amount to contempt of court for any of the parties to the suit to resort to self-help.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba said that the Appeal Court will commence hearing on the matter on Tuesday next week based on an appeal lodged by the Imo State government against the judgment of a lower court.
He said although the judgment was obtained by the former Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, upon which a garnishee order was used to seal Zenith Bank, the subsequent appeal has vitiated it.
Emelumba advised all parties in the case to adhere to due judicial process and refrain from self-help.