Abuja, NIGERIA – Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has filed a contempt charge against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over what he describes as a flagrant disregard for a Federal High Court order. The legal action follows allegations that the IGP, alongside the Nigeria Police Force, has failed to comply with a court ruling that prohibited any arrest or detention of the Senator.
The matter stems from a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17, 2024, in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2916/2024. The court specifically issued an order restraining the IGP and other law enforcement agencies from arresting or detaining Senator Nwaoboshi until the conclusion of the ongoing legal proceedings. The order was granted after Nwaoboshi filed a motion for protection from any further police action while his case remains unresolved in court.
Despite the explicit nature of the court’s directive, Nwaoboshi’s legal team claims the police have continued to pursue actions that violate the ruling. In response, the Senator’s lawyers have initiated contempt proceedings, citing Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, which provides for such legal recourse when court orders are ignored.
“By defying the court order, the IGP is not only infringing upon the fundamental rights and liberty of Senator Nwaoboshi but also undermining the integrity of the judicial system,” the Senator’s legal team stated in a press release. “This refusal to comply with a legitimate court order is a direct affront to the rule of law and democracy.”
The Federal High Court’s order, issued by Justice Kekemeke, explicitly prohibited the arrest or detention of the Senator by the IGP or any other law enforcement agency until the final determination of the case. In the ruling, Justice Kekemeke underscored that the respondents, including the IGP, must refrain from any actions that would impede Nwaoboshi’s freedom.
“The Respondents, either by themselves or through their officers, agents, whosoever of whatsoever designation, are hereby restrained from further arrest or detention of the Applicant until the final determination of the Motion on Notice,” Justice Kekemeke’s ruling stated.
The Senator’s legal team expressed concern over the disregard of this order, warning that such disobedience undermines the very foundation of the rule of law in Nigeria. They emphasized that irrespective of the merits of the case, once a court issues a ruling, it must be respected, unless overturned by a higher court. “An order of court, whether right or wrong, must be obeyed unless set aside by the same court or overturned on appeal,” the legal team stressed.
Senator Nwaoboshi, a well-known lawmaker who represented Delta North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, is determined to ensure that the judiciary remains independent and powerful, warning that any failure to comply with court orders c.ould set a dangerous precedent.
As the matter moves forward, the court has scheduled October 28, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive motion, providing Nwaoboshi with legal protection until that time. Legal observers are closely watching the developments, as the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
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