‘I Have Court Order Against My Arrest’, Says Nwaoboshi, Files Contempt Charge Against IGP
A former Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of defying a court order that prohibited the arrest or detention of the former lawmaker.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order on July 17, 2024, in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2916/2024 and Motion No: M/9638/2024, which specifically restrained the IGP, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other agencies from arresting or detaining Nwaoboshi until the final determination of the case before the court.
However, despite the court ruling, Nwaoboshi claims that the police have continued to disregard the order, prompting him to file contempt proceedings against the IGP.
Nwaoboshi’s legal team referenced Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, which allows them to seek contempt proceedings if a court’s directive is disobeyed. They described the IGP’s actions as “an affront to the judicial system and the principles of the rule of law.” They emphasized that ignoring court orders undermines the integrity of the judiciary, warning that the rule of law must be respected.
“An order of court, whether right or wrong, must be obeyed unless set aside by the same court or overturned on appeal,” Nwaoboshi’s legal team stated. “Refusing to comply with a judgment or restraining order constitutes contempt of court.”
In his order, Justice Kekemeke had directed: “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.”
The court has set a date of October 28, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive motion, granting Nwaoboshi temporary legal protection from any further law enforcement actions. As Nwaoboshi’s legal team prepares to challenge the police’s defiance of the court order, the case is expected to draw significant attention, given its political and legal implications.
