Witness narrates how Ex-HoS, allies diverted public funds to private companies in court
Hotel workers stripped naked on orders of former Minister demand 1bn in damages
By Emmanuel Awosika
The four ladies stripped naked on orders of former Minister of Education, Kenneth Gbagi, have demanded 1 billion naira in damages and a public apology for their inhumane treatment.
The ladies had previously worked at Signatious Hotel in Warri, Delta State, which belongs to Kenneth Gbagi, until the former Minister’s inhumane actions forced their departure.
The Minister accused the ladies of stealing money from hotel guests and ordered that they be stripped naked in presence of armed security operatives.
He also asked his 15-year old son to film the incident, the video of which was shared widely on social media.
However, the lawyer representing the victims, Kunle Edun of Tri-Lex Partners, said they had received the money as a tip from a patron, contrary to Gbagi’s allegation that they stole from guests.
He demanded that Gbagi pay 1 billion naira in damages and offer a public apology to the victims for his role in the incident.
He made the demands in a letter sent to the former Minister on Wednesday, titled ‘Trial by ordeal, torture, stripping naked and bestial conduct of Signatious Hotel and yourself in an organised show of shame and animalism: Notice of intention to seek full legal redress’.
According to their lawyer, the money is to serve as “modest damages and compensation for the unmitigated actions” of the former Minister.
The letter reads partly: “That after the guest’s stay, he gave our clients the sum of N105, 000 as tips for the good time that he had at the hotel.
“This again, is not unusual in the hospitality business. That the hotel did not lose any money neither was any alleged to have been stolen.
“You told our clients menacingly that they are not entitled to tips, as all tips belong to you. As a matter of fact, you categorically stated that they were not supposed to have monies in their accounts as long as they were working for you.”
The letter also stated that “With the threatening presence of the armed policemen who willingly did your bidding, you directed your son of 15 years old (a minor) Master Egba Gbagi, to film and take photos of our clients’ nakedness” and then “summoned the other staff of the hotel to see the nakedness of our clients”.
The legal team representing the victims gave the Minister five days to respond to their demands or face action in the court of law.
