Zenith Bank branches sealed over Imo’s failure to pay ex-deputy gov

Zenith Bank branches were sealed on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, by the police.

The policemen were said to have taken over the branches as early as 7am, leaving bank workers and customers stranded.

It was gathered that the policemen were implementing a court judgment against the bank and the Imo State Government.

A source said the National Industrial Court in Owerri issued an order against the bank in suit filed by a former deputy governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere over his entitlements.

He said, “The policemen are implementing an absolute garnishee order against Zenith bank in a matter filled by a former deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, against Imo State Government over unpaid entitlements by the state.

“The money is around N1.9bn. The court ordered that Zenith Bank which Imo State Government has bank account be sealed until the judgment is implemented.”

But the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said that the judgment was suspect.

The commissioner said, “How can a judge give a judgement and bar the defendants from appealing it and gave 24 hours for the implementation of the judgment.

” We are exploring other legal options to vacant the order. The judgement can’t stand serious legal scrutiny anywhere. It is a kangaroo judgement. The entitlement of a former deputy governor is not more than N200m. Why will a judge order the government to pay such a bogus amount?

“They brought policemen from the zone 9 in Umuahia,Abia State. Nobody can intimidate the government.”