A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday nullified its own order committing the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to three months imprisonment for contempt.
Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling, disclosed that evidence abound before her court that the Inspector General of Police has considerably obeyed the court’s earlier injunction directing that Patrick Okoli, an officer, who was compulsorily retired be reinstated.
Olajuwon upheld the pleas of Mr Simon Lough (SAN), counsel to the Inspector General of Police, that the November 29, 2022 verdict of the court sentencing him be vacated
“In view of the substantial compliance with the order of the court and the assurance of ensuring full compliance, the order commuting the applicant, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, is hereby set aside.”
Reacting to the ruling, the Nigerian Police Force spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said it has proved the innocence of Usman Baba and also his respect for the rule of law.
“Today’s verdict proves the innocence of the IGP, Usman Baba, and his and the NPF’s respect for the rule of law. We will, however, release an official statement soon,” he said.
Persecondnews had reported that the unconstitutional retirement of Patrick Okoli, a chief superintendent, who served in Bauchi State Command in 2010.
The failure of the Inspector General of Police to adhere to October 21, 2011 instructing the IGP to reinstate Okoli, resulted in the November 29 verdict committing him to a three-month jail term.
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