By Bukola Olasanmi
A former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Ataba Sani Omolori, has been dragged before the Area Court of the Federal Capital Territory, over alleged inability to account for family estate.
According to two of his siblings, Nasir Sani Omolori and Buhari Sani Omolori, plaintiffs in the matter, all entreaties to make him account for the property proved abortive.
The plaintiffs, through their counsel, A.I Mariri, in the court document with suit number CV/114/2022l, prayed the court to invite the former NASS Clerk to account for the estate of their late father, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Omolori, who was a traditional ruler of Ebira land for 40 years.
They accused their brother, Alhaji Ataba, of selling off parts of the property in Maitama, Katampe and Mabushi.
They are asking the court for equitable distribution of the property among all the 73 children of their father.
They told the court, “That late Alhaji Muhammad Sani Omolori died leaving behind wives and 73 children out of which are the applicants and the 2nd respondent/defendant (Alhaji Muhammad Sani Omolori) who are also Muslims.
“That late Alhaji Muhammad Sani Omolori left behind estate comprising of immovable properties spread across Abuja-FCT, Kogi ard Edo States and other movable properties and chores in action.Â
“That a large number of these properties are still in the hands of the 2nd respondent/detendant and all entreaties for account and distribution were negative, hence approach to this Honourable Court.
“Therefore, the applicants/claimants herein pray the court for the following:
“Inviting the 2nd defendant to account for the estate of the Late Alhaji Muhammad Sani Omolori for the purpose of distributing same among the legal heirs in accordance with Islamic law.
“An order of Court taking account of and distributing the estate of the Late Alhaji Muhammad Sani Omolori among the legal heirs in line with Islamic law.”
But Omolori, through his Counsel, Chris Okoye Esq., said the plaintiffs do not have the locus standi to file the suit.
According to him, proper parties in the suit are not before the court.
He said the plaintiff, not being administrators of the Estate of their late father, cannot maintain an action in respect of the suit.