Legal Updates

National Industrial Court Sets March 7 Hearing Date for Suit Against Nigerian Police Chief Over Contempt

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

National Industrial Court Sets March 7 Hearing Date for Suit Against Nigerian Police Chief Over Contempt

In a significant legal development, Justice Oyewumi J. of the National Industrial Court in Abuja has scheduled March 7, 2024, as the date for a pivotal hearing on a lawsuit seeking to incarcerate Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for contempt of court. This follows the suit’s contention regarding the alleged disobedience to a court directive mandating the reinstatement of DSP Osondu Christian, a Deputy Superintendent dismissed from the Force.

The lawsuit stems from a judgment rendered by the National Industrial Court in Suit FHC/NICN/ABJ/153/2022, wherein Osondu Christian challenged his dismissal by the Police Service Commission (PSC). In its ruling, the court directed then-President Muhammadu Buhari to instruct the Inspector General of Police to reinstate Christian and award him N10 million in damages. However, the plaintiff claims the police chief has persistently disregarded this court order.

It was reported that the dismissed police officer, through his legal representative, Ojukwu Chikaosolu, initiated committal proceedings against the Inspector General of Police for his alleged continuous defiance of the court judgment. During the recent court session, counsel for Osondu argued for the commencement of committal proceedings, noting the absence of representation from the police side.

In response, counsel for the 3rd defendant contended that while contempt proceedings cannot be initiated against the President of Nigeria, they can be pursued against the Inspector General of Police. The court ultimately struck out the name of the President as a defendant, allowing the case to focus solely on the Inspector General of Police. Additionally, the court granted permission for the claimant to serve the necessary documents to the defendants, with the hearing scheduled for March 7, 2024.

This legal saga stresses the importance of upholding court orders and the rule of law within the Nigerian legal system. It also highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability and compliance with legal directives, even among high-ranking officials.

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