The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged federal government to uphold corruption-free, independent, and trustworthy judiciary that inspires confidence that the rights, property, and safety of all citizens are secure under the law.
The National Coordinator HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a press release also urged Nigerian government should continue to encourage citizens in the diaspora to return home and invest their hard-earned money, then it must equally ensure that such citizens are protected.
HURIWA was reacting to the alleged directive of the Lagos state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), to reinvestigate a criminal case already pending before a competent court of law recently.
According to him, this case concerns a well-documented instance of land grabbing in Lekki a case thoroughly investigated by the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, which culminated in a five-count criminal charge now before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos state High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.
“The complainant, Dr. Obidigwe Eze, a U.S.-based dentist, lawfully purchased the property in 2005 through a legitimate chain of ownership originating from Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
“Dr. Eze lived peacefully on the property for over ten years until it was unlawfully demolished and taken over while he was abroad an act for which the alleged perpetrators now face trial.
“Yet, despite the matter being properly before the court, the Attorney-General has allegedly directed a fresh reinvestigation — an act that we find deeply troubling, unnecessary, and constitutionally questionable.
“What makes this development even more perplexing is that during the last court sitting, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) — counsel to one of the defendants — publicly opposed the Attorney-General’s directive for reinvestigation, describing it as an abuse of judicial process.
“It behooves the government to uphold a corruption-free, independent, and trustworthy judiciary — one that inspires confidence that the rights, property, and safety of all citizens are secure under the law,” he said.
He said if this culture of interference is allowed to persist, it will embolden criminals, destroy public trust in the justice system, and entrench the culture of impunity.
“HURIWA will continue to monitor this case closely. We will engage relevant authorities, mobilize public awareness, and, where necessary, pursue lawful action to ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied.
“This case is not merely about a few individuals or one parcel of land in Lekki — it is about the integrity of justice in Nigeria.
“We call upon the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the immediate protection of the complainant, all witnesses, and their legal representatives. They must be shielded from harassment, intimidation, and abuse of process.
“We also urge the Lagos state government to demonstrate that no one is above the law by allowing this prosecution to proceed unhindered, untainted by political influence,” he said.
