BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is embroiled in a heated dispute with Klin Deal Resources, a car rental company, over alleged breaches of contract regarding transportation arrangements for his father’s funeral.
The burial, which took place on June 7 at Okwuzi, Rivers State, has been overshadowed by the controversy.
Nwabali reportedly hired two Prado Jeeps and a G-Wagon through his aide, Chimaobi Okeke, for three days to facilitate transportation for the event. Franklin Opara, an agent of Klin Deal Resources, claimed that the arrangement was to travel to Port Harcourt.
However, upon learning the actual destination was Okwuzi in Egbema, a community perceived as hostile, the agent refused to proceed.
Opara explained that the company was willing to refund Nwabali for two out of the three days the vehicles were reserved. He cited logistical challenges, including waiting for hours in Port Harcourt and the subsequent failed delivery attempt to Owerri, as reasons for withholding part of the payment.
“I’m pleading with Nwabali to accept the two-day refund and let me bear the remaining loss,”
“After his aide informed me that Nwabali contacted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the police detained the two Prado Jeeps. These vehicles have now spent over nine days in police custody in Rivers State. Despite offering to refund him ₦1.3 million of the ₦1.9 million paid, he insists on a full refund.” Opara said
Nwabali, however, maintained that the company must refund the full amount for the three days, arguing that the service was not rendered as agreed.
“We were being fair enough,” Opara added. “He asked us to take him to Port Harcourt, but after waiting all day at his hotel in Owerri, he changed the destination to Egbema. The area is known for hostility, so the driver refused. The vehicle has been in police custody in Okwuzi since then. We offered to refund ₦1.3 million, but he insists on the full amount.”
Nwabali’s aide, Chimaobi Okeke, provided a contrasting account, accusing the rental company of breaching their agreement. He stated that the original arrangement was for two Prado vehicles with drivers and a self-driven G-Wagon for security reasons. However, the company sent all three vehicles with drivers, contrary to the agreement.
“We asked for two Prados with drivers and a G-Wagon without a driver,” Okeke said. “I was supposed to drive the G-Wagon myself. The agent later demanded additional payment for security if I were to drive it. Despite agreeing to our terms initially, they came with a driver for the G-Wagon, which violated the contract.”
Okeke further explained that the dispute began when they requested a refund for the G-Wagon due to the breach of contract. “The agent initially claimed they don’t do refunds. After two days, they took back the Prados, but the issue with the G-Wagon remains unresolved,” he added.
