The Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) has raised strong alarm over 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, under the command of CP Akin Fakorede and CSP Ahmad Mohammed.
In a statement issued by the Institute, NBA-HRI condemned in the most unequivocal terms not only the illegality of the detention but also 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 directing the immediate release of the detainees.
The Institute described this development as nothing short of a direct assault on constitutional democracy, a willful desecration of the rule of law, and a flagrant affront to judicial authority. By disregarding valid orders of competent courts, the officers were said to have mocked the authority of the judiciary, placed themselves above the law, and invited anarchy into the constitutional order.
Background of the Case
- On 29th August 2025, the Magistrate Court, Abuja, in Suit No. K/779/2023: Alh. Munir Ibrahim v. Juzar Mustansir Angoothwala & Ors., ordered that “the Applicant be released on bail pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.” Despite service of this valid order, FCID officers, led by CP Fakorede and CSP Ahmad Mohammed, refused compliance.
- Following this defiance, the Applicants approached the High Court of Kano Division for the enforcement of their fundamental rights. After full hearing, the High Court ordered their release on 2nd September 2025. This ruling was duly served on the Police, yet again ignored by the officers.
- To date, the detainees have been held for nearly one month without charge for any known offence—an outright violation of their constitutional right to liberty under Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Grave Implications
The NBA-HRI warned that the refusal to obey court orders not only amounts to contempt of court but also entrenches a dangerous culture of impunity. Such disobedience, it said, undermines public trust in the justice system and emboldens law enforcement agents to trample on citizens’ rights unchecked.
The Institute posed pressing questions:
- Is CP Akin Fakorede above the law?
- Can officers of the Nigeria Police Force place themselves higher than the Constitution they swore to protect?
Our Demands
The NBA-HRI urgently called on the Inspector-General of Police to:
- Order the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees in strict compliance with subsisting court orders.
- Direct investigation and disciplinary sanctions against all officers involved, particularly CP Akin Fakorede and CSP Ahmad Mohammed.
- Reassure Nigerians and the international community that the Police remain committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights.
Conclusion
The Institute reaffirmed that this unlawful detention and disregard for lawful judicial orders is intolerable. It urged the IGP to act decisively to restore obedience to the rule of law and safeguard the image of the Police.
Failure to act, it warned, would deepen public mistrust and expose the officers involved to full legal consequences for contempt of court.
The statement further emphasized that under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA remains united in its commitment to defend the rights of Nigerians and will pursue all necessary remedies to ensure justice is done.
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
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