The Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) strongly condemns, in the most unequivocal terms, the continued and unlawful detention of Alh. Munir Ibrahim, Bashir Lukman, Hikimatullahi Kabiru, Rabiu Musa, and Jamilu Musa by officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja, led by CP Akin Fakorede and CSP Ahmad Mohammed. What makes this matter especially alarming is not just the illegality of the detention, but the brazen defiance of two separate court orders, one from a Magistrate Court of the FCT and another from the High Court of Kano State, both unequivocally directing the release of these citizens.
This conduct is nothing short of a direct assault on the very foundation of constitutional democracy, a willful desecration of the rule of law, and a flagrant affront to judicial authority. By choosing to openly disregard two valid orders of competent courts, these officers have placed themselves above the law, mocked the authority of the judiciary, and invited nothing less than anarchy into our constitutional order.
The NBA-HRI views this not merely as misconduct, but as a dangerous precedent which, if left unchecked, would embolden law enforcement agents to trample upon citizens’ rights with impunity. This is intolerable, and it must be decisively addressed by the Inspector-General of Police and all stakeholders committed to justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Background of the Case
1. On 29th August 2025, the Magistrate Court, Abuja, in Suit No. K/779/2023: Alh. Munir Ibrahim v. Juzar Mustansir Angoothwala & Ors., expressly ordered that “the Applicant be released on bail pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.” Despite service of this valid order, officers of the FCID led by CP Akin Fakorede and CSP Ahmad Mohammed blatantly refused to comply.
2. Following their continued unlawful detention, the Applicants approached the High Court of Kano Division for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. After full arguments, the High Court made another unequivocal order for their release on 2nd September 2025.This order was duly served on the Police Again, CP Fakorede and his men defied the ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction.
3. As of today, these citizens have been held for nearly one month without being charged before any court for any known offence, a violation of their right to personal liberty under Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and a shameful affront to the rule of law.
Grave Implications:
The Police’s refusal to obey two separate court orders is not only unlawful but amounts to contempt of court, punishable under Nigerian law. This brazen disobedience suggests an alarming culture of impunity. It invites anarchy by sending a dangerous signal that court orders can be disregarded at will, thereby undermining public confidence in the justice system.
NBA-HRI cannot and will not accept this. We are compelled to ask:
1. Is CP Akin Fakorede above the law?
2. Can officers of the Nigeria Police Force place themselves higher than the Constitution they swore to protect?
Our Demands:
The Nigerian Bar Association – Human Rights Institute urgently calls on the Inspector-General of Police to:
1. Order the immediate and unconditional release of Alh. Munir Ibrahim and the four others, in strict compliance with the subsisting court orders.
2. Direct the investigation and disciplinary sanction of all officers involved in this grave disobedience, particularly CP Akin Fakorede and CSP Ahmad Mohammed.
3. Reassure Nigerians and the international community that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and respecting judicial pronouncements.
Conclusion
The NBA-HRI strongly condemns this continued detention and total disregard for lawful judicial orders. We trust that the Inspector-General of Police will act decisively to safeguard the image and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force by restoring obedience to the rule of law.
Failure to act immediately will not only deepen public mistrust but also expose the officers involved to full legal consequences for contempt of court.
The NBA under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN stands united in its commitment to defending the rights of every Nigerian and will pursue all necessary remedies to ensure justice is done in this matter.
Signed:
Sabastine Anyia, Esq.
1st Vice President, NBA & Chairman, NBA–Human Rights Institute
Cc:
Inspector-General of Police
Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs
National Security Adviser
