A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Judge Binta Nyako, has warned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to heed the judgement of her court or else, she will order the Chief of Army Staff to arrest him.
The High Court judge threatened to order the Chief of Army Staff to arrest Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for allegedly disobeying a court judgement.
Judge Nyako, presiding over contempt proceedings filed by Nnenna Anozie on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, offered the IGP an alternative: either allow the contempt process to continue or meet with the parties in her chambers to discuss an amicable resolution.
The case stems from the 2017 abduction of Mrs. Anozie’s husband, John Anozie, by police officers from the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos
Despite multiple court rulings ordering the police to produce the officers and relevant case files, the IGP and police have failed to comply.
Mrs. Anozie’s lawyer, Vincent Adodo, told the court that the IGP had ignored the filings, including Forms 48 and 49, which formally initiate contempt proceedings. He urged the court to hold the IGP accountable.
IGP’s lawyer, Stanley Nwodo, cited confusion over the identities of the implicated officers. The judge dismissed this, insisting that the court’s order must be obeyed. She noted she could order the Army to carry out the arrest if necessary, given the police’s anticipated reluctance.
The judge emphasized that the focus should be on resolving the matter rather than merely punishing the IGP. “We are not having a case; we are proffering a solution,” she said, suggesting the parties meet in her chambers to discuss next steps.
Both lawyers agreed to the meeting, and the court adjourned the case until April 23, 2026, to allow time for discussions.
The officers implicated in the 2017 abduction include Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Uzochukwu Emeana, John Eze (aka T Boy), and Sunday Okpe, some of whom have retired. The case highlights the broader history of abuses by SARS, which contributed to nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020.
Mrs. Anozie has been seeking justice for her missing husband for over eight years, navigating multiple court rulings and judicial panels, yet the police have repeatedly failed to cooperate.
