Baraza: Court grants Bribena settlement of N30million

A Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, has on Friday, granted Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. a settlement of 30 million naira.

In the case under suit number FHC/YNG/CS/125/2022, involving Mr. Miebi Bribena and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa division, rendered the landmark judgment in favor of Mr. Bribena, C.E.O of Baraza.

Disclosing the development, Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., in a Press Release, appealed to members currently having legal actions against the Cooperative to discontinue their lawsuits so as to enable the firm facilitate the promised capital settlement process.

“We are pleased to announce a significant development in the legal proceedings between Arch. Dr. Miebi Bribena and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). On Friday, March 22nd, 2024, Hon. Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa Judicial Division, rendered two landmark judgments in favor of Arch. Dr. Miebi Bribena”.

“Recall that sometime in June, 2022 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission published in the National Dailies and their website the pictures and names of Arch. Dr. Miebi Bribena and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Bribena, declaring them as wanted persons. In a swift reaction Arch. Dr. Miebi Bribena and his wife, through their legal team approached the Federal High Court, Yenagoa Judicial Division in a bid to enforce their fundamental human rights to privacy, movement, personal liberty and dignity of human person vide Suit No.: FHC/YNG/CS/132/2022 between Arch. Dr. Oyinmiebi Bribena & Another v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission & Anor. In delivering his ruling on the 22nd day of March, 2022, the Honourable Justice held that the action of the Respondents (EFCC) by declaring the Applicants wanted without a valid Court Order was unjustified, unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional and a breach of the Fundamental Human Rights of the Applicants. The Honourable Court consequently ordered the Respondents to offer a public apology to Arch. Dr. Miebi Bribena and Mrs. Beatrice Bribena and also pay damages”.

“The case, brought before the Federal High Court in Yenagoa under suit number FHC/YNG/CS/132/2022, underscored Mr. Bribena’s unwavering commitment to upholding his fundamental human rights. Specifically, the court recognized his rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and dignity of the human person, affirming the importance of due process and fair treatment under the law. Mr Miebi Bribena was never officially invited by EFCC and EFCC never procured a Court Order before declaring them wanted”

“Sometime in June, 2022 Bliss Multinational Perfection Limited and Arch. Dr. Miebi Bribena carried out an Originating summons against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wherein they put four questions to the court for determination with regard to the provisions of Sections 49 and 50 of the Nigerian Co-Operative Societies Act, CAP C35, Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 51 of the Co-Operative Societies Law of Bayelsa State and on the 22nd day of March, 2022 in what can be termed a landmark judgment, the Honourable Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa Judicial Division delivered his judgment and answered all four questions in favour of the Plaintiffs and consequently declared that by virtue of the provision of Sections 49 and 50 of the Nigerian Co-Operative Societies Act, CAP C35, Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 51 of the Co-Operative Societies Law of Bayelsa State the Defendant cannot interfere in any dispute between members of BARAZA Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Limited arising from the business object of the society and also granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant (EFCC), its servant and agents from inviting, harassing, arresting, detaining the Plaintiff as a result of the Civil Dispute between BARAZA Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Limited and her members”.

“In light of these favorable rulings, Arc. Miebi Bribena extends an earnest appeal to all members of Baraza currently embroiled in legal disputes against the Cooperative and its President to kindly withdraw such law suits. It is imperative that these cases be discontinued promptly to facilitate the commencement of the promised capital settlement process”.

“Furthermore, we acknowledge the numerous independent lawsuits brought forth by several members, totaling over 97 court cases, with 50 cases already decided in favor of the Cooperative and its President. This underscores the complex legal landscape faced by the Cooperative and emphasizes the importance of swift resolution for the collective benefit of all stakeholders”.

“We assure all concerned parties that further details regarding the settlement process will be communicated in due course. In the meantime, we express our gratitude for your patience and understanding as we navigate these legal proceedings with transparency and integrity”.

NAIJA LIVE TV hard earlier reported that the Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has allegedly declare the CEO of Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, Mr Miebi Bribena and his wife Mrs Beatrice Bribena wanted over alleged Baraza Scam

The Cooperative Society was established a little over a year ago by a prominent architect turned pastor and politician, Miebi Bribena, with the aim of improving the lives of people and reducing poverty.

Under its fold are three schemes which covers; scholarship, financial, empowerment, housing, car ownership, agriculture and credit thrift.