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A civil society organisation, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has taken legal action against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by filing a lawsuit in the Federal High Court in Abuja 14 years after a police investigation.
The suit concerns the police's failure to release the investigation report on an "unresolved murder" involving Asabe Waziri, an employee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The petition, dated May 2, 2024, alleges that Asabe intentionally hit a pregnant woman with her car. Despite probing the incident, the police have not disclosed their findings.
In an originating summons with suit number FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the plaintiff requested the court to grant permission for a judicial review through an Order of Mandamus.
This order would compel the respondent to immediately provide the applicant with the final investigation report of a case involving Waziri, who allegedly intentionally hit a pregnant woman, Shitua Aso, with her car in front of the FCT Police Command in Garki 2, Abuja, around May 30, 2010. This request was based on a demand letter dated May 2, 2024, attached as EXHIBIT GICN 4.
The suit, dated May 29, 2024, sought a declaration that the respondent's failure, refusal, or neglect to release the requested information and documents, as per the applicant's letter dated May 2, 2024, violated Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and was therefore unjustifiable, wrongful, and illegal.
The plaintiff also asked the court to declare that, according to Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, the applicant, as a Public Official and custodian of information at the Nigeria Police Force, a Public Institution under Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, is obligated to provide comprehensive, just, and fair information and documents upon request, as specified in their letter to the respondent dated May 2, 2024.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.