Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday reserved her decision on whether to continue presiding over contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), citing concerns over her extensive involvement in the case.
The contempt proceedings stem from allegations that the IGP failed to comply with subsisting court orders directing the Nigeria Police Force to produce officers allegedly involved in the disappearance of John Anozie and present several case files linked to the matter. The court had also awarded N2 million in damages to Mr. Anozie’s wife, Nnenna Anozie.
The IGP was not represented when the matter came up for hearing.
Counsel to Mrs. Anozie, Vincent Adodo, informed the court that the applicant was prepared to proceed with the application seeking to commit the IGP for contempt over the alleged disobedience of the court’s orders.
Before the application could be argued, Justice Nyako disclosed that she had reflected extensively on the proceedings and was considering transferring the contempt case to another judge.
“I have been thinking about this matter, and I am of the opinion that I should send this case to one of my brother judges to take the contempt proceedings,” the judge said.
“I feel I have been so involved in the matter.”
However, Adodo urged the court to retain the case, expressing confidence in Justice Nyako’s continued handling of the proceedings.
“We are comfortable with you handling the case, My Lord,” he said.
Justice Nyako subsequently adjourned the matter for one week to decide whether she would continue hearing the contempt application or assign it to another judge.
The proceedings also revealed progress in efforts to recover one of the missing police case files central to the dispute.
Adodo informed the court that the file had been located and temporarily released to his legal team for photocopying before being returned to the respondents more than two weeks ago.
“They have found the case file,” he said, adding that the only outstanding requirement was its official certification.
“The only thing they need to do is just to certify it,” he told the court.
Responding to the development, Justice Nyako remarked, “At least something is happening.”
The case arose from the alleged abduction of John Anozie by operatives of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos in June 2017. His whereabouts have remained unknown since the incident, making the case one of the unresolved allegations of enforced disappearance associated with the former police unit.
The suit has become a significant test of police accountability and compliance with judicial orders. The pending contempt proceedings will determine whether the Inspector-General of Police should be sanctioned for allegedly failing to obey the court’s directives, with Justice Nyako expected to announce next week whether she will continue with the case or transfer it to another judge.
