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Court rules out Honeywell’s contempt suit against Ecobank

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The Federal High Court in Lagos last Friday struck out a contempt charge filed against Ecobank Nigeria Limited by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc.

Justice Mohammed Idris held that the Form 48 and Form 49 (with which contempt proceedings are initiated) were not properly served on the alleged contemnors.

The charge had been filed by Honeywell Group, which urged the court to jail the Ecobank MD for allegedly violating an August 10, 2015 court order, which barred Ecobank from publishing the name of Honeywell Group among chronic debtors last year.

The company, through its counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), alleged that Ecobank, through its lawyer, Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), had taken steps contrary to the court’s order by filing other suits in a bid to recover the alleged debt from Honeywell.

In his ruling, however, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that a party seeking to jail another for disobeying a court order was duty bound to ensure that processes in contempt proceedings were duly served.

Breach of such proper service, he said, “will wrought consequences on the proceedings.”

Declining jurisdiction, Justice Idris said: “What I can see from a close examination of form 48 is that the form is stamped; the wordings are however illegible. I can see that the stamp has the date of 19th November 2015. The same applies to Form 49.

“A valid proof of service of the same forms must have endorsed therein the following, as stated by the Court of Appeal: (1) particulars of the person serving; (2) date of service; (3) time and place of service and (4) the person that accepted the service.

“I’m afraid that it appears that the Form 48 and 49 were not properly endorsed with the particulars of service. In effect, there is no reliable or authentic information before the court as to the service of the Form 48 and 49 on the defendants herein.

“This issue goes to the issue of the jurisdiction of the court. This court must act with caution. I decline jurisdiction. I hold that the jurisdiction of this court has not been properly invoked in respect of the contempt proceedings and same is hereby struck out”.

He further warned parties against taking any action that could incur the court’s wrath.

“Let me warn that orders of court are binding and enforceable until set aside by an order of court of competent jurisdiction. The order of this court that the parties maintain status quo ante bellum remains valid and binding on all the parties until set aside.

“Whenever the disciplinary jurisdiction of this court is properly invoked, this court will descend heavily without any fear on whichever party is found guilty of contempt of this court. This court barks and it bites”.

The Judge then adjourned till February 26 for hearing of Ecobank’s motion for stay of proceedings.

Justice Idris had last August 10 made an order of interim injunction restraining the bank from publishing the plaintiffs’ name as debtors.

The judge also ordered parties to maintain status quo pending hearing of the plaintiffs’ suit against Ecobank.

But while the suit was pending, Ecobank filed other suits before other judges in a bid to recover its debt from Honeywell Group and its chairman, Oba Otudeko.

Honeywell, through its lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), thereafter filed the Form 48 and Form 49, urging the High Court to hold the bank in contempt.

 

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Valentine Season: Adron Homes Encourages Nigerians to Build Lasting Love Through Real Estate

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Valentine Season: Adron Homes Encourages Nigerians to Build Lasting Love Through Real Estate

 

 

Adron Homes and Properties has continued its ongoing “Love for Love Promo” as part of its Valentine season initiatives, encouraging couples, families, and investors to move beyond traditional gifts by embracing shared property ownership as a lasting expression of commitment and financial stability.

 

The company stated that the promo, which has been running throughout the Valentine period, was designed to inspire Nigerians to build long-term value and legacy through real estate investments. It noted that the initiative offers attractive discounts, flexible payment options, and a variety of exclusive gift items across its estates and housing projects nationwide.

 

Under the promo structure, clients who pay ₦100,000 receive cake, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, while those who pay ₦200,000 receive a Love Hamper. Subscribers who commit ₦500,000 receive a Love Hamper with cake, and those who pay ₦1,000,000 enjoy a choice of a Samsung phone or a Love Hamper with cake.

 

The incentives increase with higher commitments. Clients who pay ₦5,000,000 receive either an iPad or a romantic couple’s getaway at a top Nigerian hotel, while payments of ₦10,000,000 come with options including a Samsung Z Fold 7, a three-night stay at a premium resort, or a full solar power installation.

 

High-value investors are also rewarded, as clients who pay ₦30,000,000 on land receive a three-night couple’s trip to Doha or South Africa. At the same time, purchasers of houses valued at ₦50,000,000 are presented with a double-door refrigerator, further reflecting the company’s focus on combining lifestyle experiences with strategic investments.

 

The company added that the promo covers estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger states. It reiterated its commitment to secure land titles, affordable pricing, and prime locations, urging Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the ongoing Valentine campaign to build a future rooted in love, security, and prosperity.

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14 Reasons Nigerians Should Own Property with the Trusted Real Estate Brand

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14 Reasons Nigerians Should Own Property with the Trusted Real Estate Brand

 

As part of activities marking its 14 years of transforming Nigeria’s real estate landscape, Adron Homes and Properties has unveiled 14 compelling reasons why individuals and families should consider owning property with the company reinforcing its commitment to accessible, stylish, and sustainable homeownership.

 

In a statement released by the company, Adron Homes described property ownership not just as an investment but as a strategic lifestyle decision rooted in long-term security, wealth creation, and community development. The company noted that over the past 14 years, it has remained consistent in providing affordable housing solutions while delivering well-planned estates that cater to diverse income levels.

 

According to the statement, Adron Homes’ success is anchored in its strong value proposition, which ranges from affordable pricing and flexible payment structures to prime estate locations nationwide. The company emphasized that its gated communities are designed with security, modern architectural standards, and structured infrastructure that ensure comfort and functionality for residents.

 

Adron Homes further highlighted its transparent documentation process and verified property titles, which have continued to boost investor confidence and encourage long-term property ownership among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. The company added that its developments are intentionally designed to promote thriving communities, environmental sustainability, and long-term urban planning.

 

With a proven track record of helping thousands of customers achieve their property dreams, Adron Homes reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-value investments that appreciate over time while maintaining strong customer service support from initial inquiry to allocation and beyond.

 

The organisation also noted its culture of appreciation for clients, partners, and staff through consistent reward programmes and promotional incentives. This strategy has strengthened loyalty and deepened engagement across its growing customer base.

 

Reflecting on its 14-year journey, Adron Homes reiterated that its mission goes beyond selling land and houses; it focuses on building vibrant communities where families thrive, investments grow, and futures are secured. The company encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of its flexible ownership opportunities, stressing that the best time to invest in property is now.

 

As it continues to expand its footprint across Nigeria, Adron Homes remains committed to innovation, excellence, and redefining the real estate experience through sustainable developments that stand the test of time.

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Ogun Unveils Plan for ₦1bn AI-Driven Digital Classroom at Remo Secondary School

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Ogun Unveils Plan for ₦1bn AI-Driven Digital Classroom at Remo Secondary School

 

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to deliver a 900-capacity, Artificial Intelligence-enabled digital learning complex at Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, in a move aimed at strengthening technology-based education across the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed activities marking the institution’s 80th anniversary, noting that the proposed facility represents a deliberate investment in modern learning infrastructure designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, knowledge-driven global economy.

He explained that the digital classroom project complements ongoing smart-education initiatives within the school, which already features a functional resource centre and a state-of-the-art robotics laboratory established to nurture innovation, problem-solving skills, and digital competence among learners.

Reaffirming his commitment to the school’s growth, the governor announced a financial pledge of ₦100m, stating that ₦50m representing half of the amount would be released immediately to kick-start development efforts. He also assured stakeholders that at least one of the outlined projects would be fully executed before the end of his administration.

Abiodun further disclosed that the state government had upgraded the school’s science laboratories, equipping them with modern facilities and teaching tools to ensure safer and more effective practical learning experiences for students.

He added that renovation works had also been completed on both the male and female hostels to improve accommodation standards, enhance security, and promote the overall well-being of boarding students.

Describing Remo Secondary School as a symbol of enduring heritage, the governor said the anniversary celebration went beyond mere commemoration of years of existence, emphasising the institution’s long-standing role in shaping generations of leaders and professionals.

He praised members of the old students’ association for their unwavering support and contributions to the school’s development, stressing that their collective efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to sustaining its legacy of excellence.

According to him, the projects and improvements carried out at the school reflect a strong belief in education as a foundation for future growth, as well as the power of collaboration between government, alumni, and the wider community.

Abiodun also revealed that the institution had been recognised as one of Ogun State’s model schools, urging students to remain focused on their academic pursuits, uphold strong moral values, and continue the tradition of excellence for which the school is known.

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