IGP Alkali Reacts To Conviction For Contempt Of Court, Says He Wasn’t Aware Of ‘Controversial’ Court Order
The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Alkali Usman Baba , has reacted to the court ruling convicting him of contempt of court.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned the nation’s police chief had since disclosed that he has directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the force’s legal unit to ascertain the position of the law on the said judgment and provide him with an informed legal advice before taking necessary action.
It will be recalled that Justice M. O. Olajuwon of the Federal High Court , Abuja had convicted Alkali of contempt of court on Tuesday.
Olajuwon accused Baba Usman of disobeying a valid court order and ruled that he should be kept behind bars for three months, or until he obeys an order by a sister court on October 21, 2011.
This was sequel to the suit instituted by a police officer, Mr Patrick Okoli, who was unlawfully and compulsorily retired from the Nigeria Police Force.
Justice Olajuwon submitted that though the Police Service Commission (PSC) had recommended Okoli’s reinstatement into the police, which was affirmed by the court, the IGP had however refused to comply with the order.
Force spokesman, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police , however said it was surprising that someone could be convicted in respect of a case he knows nothing about.
Baba, who according to him did not disregard court orders or rule of law, had added that his office was not aware of any court order, noting that the order was given in 2011 which should ordinarily not fall under the direct purview of the current leaders of the Force.
‘The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state emphatically that the office of the 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 the matter making the rounds 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 question 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 judgment on the matter was given in 2011 which should ordinarily not fall under the direct purview of the current leaders of the Force. Thus, the news is strange and astonishing.
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 an 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’ he said- Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
