Contempt: IGP Denies knowledge of Court Order
Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, has denied knowledge of Court order, adding that he was the last person to disrespect the judiciary.
According to a press statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector General would not contravene the law.
Recall that earlier today the media was awash with news of three months prisonment as ordered by a judge, following IGP Baba alleged contempt of court.
He disclosed that the case in question was instituted by a dismissed officer dating back 1992, stressing that the lastest judgement to the case was in 2011, outside the time Baba became IGP.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state emphatically that the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, did not disregard Court Order or rule of law as the office is not aware of any Court Order, during the current IGP’s tenure, with respect to a matter making the round in the media that the IGP disobeyed a Court Order for the reinstatement of a dismissed officer of the Force.
“It is instructive to note that the case in point concerns an officer who was dismissed as far back as 1992, a few years after the current IGP joined the Nigeria Police Force, based on available facts gleaned from the reports. The most recent judgement on the matter was given in 2011 which should ordinarily not fall under the direct purview of the current administration of the Force. Thus, the news is strange and astonishing.”
While urging the Commissioner in charge of Legal unit to investigate the allegations, the Adejobi said it would help the IGP to take necessary action.
“The IGP has however directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Legal Unit to investigate the allegation in a bid to ascertain the position of the court and proffer informed legal advice for the IGP’s prompt and necessary action.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and synergizing with the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice for an improved criminal justice system,” Adejobi added.
