An Abuja based lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop Mohammed Adamu from parading himself as the Inspector General of Police.
The lawyer has also asked the court to restrain Adamu from exercising any form of command over officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
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Okpara, who also joined President Muhammadu Buhari, IGP Adamu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and the Nigerian Police Council, stated that Adamu’s tenure had elapsed on February 1, 2021, by virtue of the Police Act.
In the suit brought by his counsel, Ugochukwu Ezekiel Esq, the lawyer argues that by provisions of section 215, 216 and 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Adamu cannot continue to function as IG after February 1, 2021.
The lawyer sought; “a declaration that the failure of the 1st defendant (President Buhari) and 4th defendant (Nigeria Police Council) to appoint an Inspector General of Police as at the 1st day of February 2021 constitutes an abdication of their duties under Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.”
Adamu’s tenure lapsed on February 1, 2021, after completing 35 years in office as a police officer as required by the Nigeria Police Act.
Adamu had, on Monday, met with senior police officers at the Louis Edet House, headquarters of the police in Abuja, and briefed them over the intricate succession crisis.
Adamu did not hand over the reins of leadership despite completing his 35 years as a police officer on Monday.
Daily Trust reported on Monday that Adamu is unlikely to get an extension for the job, despite his lobby as President Muhammadu Buhari was said to be perusing a shortlist.
Amidst the confusion, the Presidency, on Monday, assured that there would not be a vacuum in the position.
A spokesperson for President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, who gave the assurance, however, did not say when a decision will be taken by the president.
Two days after that assurance the IGP is yet to hand over to anyone.
Checks by Daily Trust showed that a number of Adamu’s course mates who retired on Monday did not attend to official duties.
Some of them stayed away from their offices. However, those of them in Abuja were summoned to attend the briefing with the IGP.
Reliable sources told Daily Trust that the IGP reported to the office late in the morning and also presided over a short meeting with members of the police management team and other senior officials.
Confusion at Louis Edet House
Earlier on Monday, a Daily Trust reporter, who visited the Force headquarters, reported that there was confusion among officers and men who were anxious for the next line of action.
Some officers of the Force, while discussing the issue around the main entrance of the building, said there would be a constitutional crisis if the present occupant stayed beyond midnight.
A police sergeant, who was at the premises, said, “By now, we are supposed to have known our new boss instead of keeping us waiting for nothing. I pray the next administration favours us.”
Another officer said: “Presidency should please stop keeping us in suspense.
“Though I know some of our Ogas know the new IGP, they should make the announcement quickly.”
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