IGP Egbetokun gets contempt suit over disregard for court order

IGP Egbetokun gets contempt suit over disregard for court order

An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Yahuza Maharaz, has initiated contempt proceedings against the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, alleging defiance of a valid court order.

The contempt suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Bwari, also targets Alhaji Isah Yusuf-Musa and two others.

Justice M.A. Madugu had, on June 25, 2025, issued an ex parte ruling directing all parties in the matter to maintain the status quo. The suit, marked HC/BW/CV/199/2025, stems from a lease dispute involving Pamodi Pharmacy, located at Hillcrest Shopping Complex, Lokogoma, Abuja, and Yusuf-Musa.

The defendants listed include Yusuf-Musa, Hillcrest Estate Management Development, the Nigeria Police Force, and the IGP.

In the ruling on Motion No: FCT/HC/M/8303/2025, Justice Madugu stated, “Upon reading the Motion Ex parte along with the accompanying affidavit of Pharm. Abugi Abdulkadir Mohammed, including the written address and the exhibits filed along with the application.

“And upon hearing Yahuza Maharaz Esq. counsel to the Claimants/Applicants, Court hereby makes the following order(s),

“The parties herein shall maintain the status quo in respect of the subject matter of this suit i.e. an office space measured at 160 square metres, situated at Hillcrest shopping complex/mall, lying and situated at Plot No. 102. Cadastral Zone C09. Ahmadu Bello Way. Lokogoma, Abuja FCT.

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“This order shall be pasted on the main entrance gate and or walls of Hillcrest shopping Complex/Mall.”

The court adjourned further hearing in the matter to October 22, 2025.

Despite the order, Maharaz alleged that water and electricity supply to Pamodi Pharmacy were disconnected on Yusuf-Musa’s instructions. He further claimed that the court order pasted on the plaza’s wall was removed, contrary to the directive.

The lawyer also accused the police of overstepping their role by inviting the pharmacy’s Managing Director for questioning. The invitation was viewed as harassment and a breach of the court’s order.

A text message sent to the MD read, “I’m Detective Ibrahim from Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Wuse Zone 3, FCT. As a matter of utmost importance, the Assistant Inspector General Zone 7 Police Headquarters directs you to avail yourself for an interview with the AIG through the O/C Surveillance on Friday, 11/7/2025, at 10:00 hours unfailingly in respect of a petition written to the AIG. Treat with utmost importance. Accept the regards of the AIG, please.”

Following these developments, Maharaz filed a Notice of Consequences of Disobedience on July 8, warning the defendants — including IGP Egbetokun — to comply with the status quo order or risk being held in contempt of court.

The court’s notice mandated the immediate reconnection of water and electricity to the pharmacy and an end to any form of intimidation or police action against the claimant.

Copies of the notice were forwarded to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The claimant emphasized that the dispute is strictly civil in nature and cautioned the police against interfering in matters outside their jurisdiction.

IGP Egbetokun gets contempt suit over disregard for court order