Nwaoboshi files contempt charge against Egbetokun for ‘violating’ court order prohibiting his arrest

Peter Nwaoboshi, a former senator who represented Delta north, says he has initiated contempt proceedings against Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), over an alleged violation of a court order.

Through his legal team, Nwaoboshi accused the IGP of disregarding a court ruling that barred law enforcement agencies from arresting or detaining him.

The order was said to have been issued by the federal high court in Abuja on July 17, 2024, in suit no: FCT/HC/CV/2916/2024 and motion no: M/9638/2024.

The court order, according to the legal team, prohibited the IGP, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other respondents from arresting or detaining Nwaoboshi until the final determination of the case before the court.

However, Nwaoboshi claimed that the police had failed to comply with the court order, prompting his legal team to initiate contempt proceedings against the IGP.

Nwaoboshi’s legal team argued that it derives power from section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act to seek contempt proceedings for disobeying the court’s directive.

The team described the IGP’s actions as “an affront to the judicial system and the principles of the rule of law”.

“An order of court, whether right or wrong, must be obeyed unless set aside by the same court or overturned on appeal. Refusing to comply with a judgment or restraining order constitutes contempt of court,” the legal team said.

“Justice Kekemeke, in his order, stated that ‘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 October 28, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive motion.