Hot SourceThe Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has warned that it may commence contempt proceedings against the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, if he continues to make statements perceived as undermining the authority of the courts.
In a press statement, the Association accused Hundeyin of issuing a “contemptuous” press release suggesting that the Nigeria Police Force would proceed with enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy, despite a pending lawsuit challenging its legality. NBA-SPIDEL described the comments as a “brazen act of disregard” for judicial authority. “The action of Mr Hundeyin, inciting the enforcement of the policy which is sub judice, is an egregious act of contempt for the majesty of the court”, the statement read. The Association warned that it would not hesitate to initiate contempt or committal proceedings against the Police spokesman, if such statements continued.
The Association also addressed its concerns to Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services and a senior Lawyer, urging him to provide proper legal advice to the Police Force. NBA-SPIDEL stressed that such guidance should ensure respect for the rule of law, and not encourage the enforcement of a disputed policy.
It further cautioned that it could initiate disciplinary action against AIG Ehiede before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), if he failed to uphold professional responsibility. “NBA-SPIDEL will not hesitate to commence disciplinary proceedings against him, if he encourages disrespect to the authority of the court”, the statement noted.
Referencing binding judicial precedents, the Association argued that the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal had consistently affirmed that the filing of a suit automatically restrains parties from acting in a way that prejudices the subject-matter. It stressed that the pendency of Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, challenging the tinted glass permit policy should halt enforcement until the matter is determined.
NBA-SPIDEL concluded by urging the Police to desist from any further attempts to enforce the policy, while it remains under judicial consideration. “We admonish your good office to allow the rule of law to prevail, by halting enforcement of a policy whose legality is a subject for judicial determination”, the statement declared.
