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Federal High Court Judge Threatens to Involve Army in Arrest of IGP Over Court Order Defiance
In Abuja, a Federal High Court judge has issued a stern warning that she may instruct the Chief of Army Staff to detain the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, due to his alleged failure to comply with a judicial directive. This caution was delivered by Justice Binta Nyako during contempt proceedings initiated by Nnenna Anozie, whose husband, John Anozie, was forcibly taken by operatives of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in June 2017.
The Unresolved Disappearance of John Anozie
John Anozie vanished after being abducted from his Lagos residence by SARS officers reportedly dispatched from Awkuzu, Anambra State. For over eight years, Mrs. Anozie has relentlessly pursued justice through the courts and the #EndSARS judicial panel, seeking accountability and answers regarding her husband’s fate.
Throughout this period, Mrs. Anozie has successfully obtained multiple court orders compelling the police to produce her missing husband and hold the responsible officers accountable. Notably, in September 2025, Justice Nyako mandated the IGP to present the implicated officers and submit all related case files.
Police Noncompliance Spurs Contempt Proceedings
Despite the court’s clear instructions, the police have reportedly failed to comply, prompting Mrs. Anozie to initiate contempt charges against the IGP. At the recent hearing, her legal representative, Vincent Adodo, highlighted persistent defiance by the police, emphasizing that the necessary legal notices (Forms 48 and 49) had been duly served on the IGP.
Mr. Adodo stressed to the court that, despite overwhelming evidence, the IGP has refused to disclose the identities of the officers involved. He further indicated that the case files could be escalated to the Attorney General of the Federation for further action. Mrs. Anozie herself traveled from Lagos to attend the hearing, underscoring the gravity of the matter.
IGP’s Counsel Challenges Notice, Judge Emphasizes Compliance
Representing the IGP, Stanley Nwodo acknowledged receipt of only Form 48 and contended there was ambiguity regarding the officers’ identities. Justice Nyako dismissed this defense, underscoring that the existence of a valid court order was the pivotal issue.
Demonstrating her resolve to enforce the court’s authority, the judge declared her readiness to order the IGP’s committal to prison. Remarkably, she stated that if necessary, she would direct the Chief of Army Staff—not the police—to execute the arrest, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the situation.
Unprecedented Judicial Measures Amid Police Inaction
Typically, police forces are responsible for carrying out arrest warrants. However, Justice Nyako’s suggestion to involve the military reflects the severity of the police’s noncompliance in this case. She presented two pathways: either proceed with the contempt trial or hold a private meeting in her chambers with all parties to seek a resolution. Should the latter be chosen, she pledged to personally inform the Attorney General of any outcomes.
Mrs. Anozie’s lawyer expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of meetings, citing previous unproductive correspondence. The judge differentiated between informal lawyer communications and formal court directives, emphasizing the latter’s binding nature.
While acknowledging that imprisoning the IGP might not fully resolve the issue, Justice Nyako advocated for a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach. Following brief consultations, the IGP’s counsel consented to the in-chambers meeting, with the court adjourning the case until April 23 to allow for this discussion.
Context: The Legacy of SARS and Ongoing Calls for Justice
John Anozie’s disappearance is emblematic of the numerous human rights violations attributed to the now-defunct SARS unit, which faced widespread accusations of extortion, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. These abuses sparked the nationwide #EndSARS protests in October 2020, leading to the unit’s disbandment and the establishment of judicial panels across various states.
Court documents identify several officers implicated in the Anozie case, including Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Uzochukwu Emeana, John Eze (alias T Boy), and Sunday Okpe, some of whom have since retired.
Legal Actions and Next Steps
In December of the previous year, Mrs. Anozie formally accused the IGP of disregarding the September 2025 court order. After serving Form 48 without any response, she proceeded with Form 49, which compels the alleged contemnor to justify why they should not be imprisoned.
Her petition seeks the IGP’s detention at Kuje prison in Abuja until he complies with the court’s directive. However, the recent agreement to hold a private meeting may temporarily suspend the contempt proceedings pending the outcome of that engagement.
