?Demands end to interference by Lagos State Government in ongoing trial

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has criticised what it described as a disturbing abuse of prosecutorial discretion by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), over a controversial reinvestigation directive in a land dispute case already before the Lagos High Court.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, HURIWA?s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, decried the Attorney-General?s reported decision to reopen investigations into the case, despite the matter already being prosecuted before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court.

The case in question involves a disputed Lekki property lawfully purchased in 2005 by Dr. Obidigwe Eze, a U.S.-based dentist. According to HURIWA, the property was later unlawfully demolished and taken over in Dr. Eze?s absence, resulting in a criminal trial based on a five-count charge filed after a thorough investigation by the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Despite the case being active in court, HURIWA alleged that the Lagos State Attorney-General has directed a fresh reinvestigation ? a move the group considers deeply troubling, unnecessary, and constitutionally questionable.

Quoting Section 211(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, Onwubiko reminded the public that the Attorney-General?s powers must be exercised in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.

?The Attorney-General?s powers are not absolute; they are circumscribed by law, morality, and accountability,? Onwubiko said. ?Any action that undermines a pending trial disrespects the judiciary and erodes public trust.?

HURIWA also alleged that one of the defendants, (names withheld) was said to have boasted of influential connections within the judiciary ? a claim the group noted it could not independently verify. The organisation warned against any appearance of interference or undue influence.

?Any conduct that even remotely suggests bias, influence, or compromise is not only unethical ? it is unconstitutional,? the group stated.

HURIWA noted that even one of the defence counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), reportedly opposed the Attorney-General?s directive in court, describing it as an abuse of judicial process.

The group warned that, in its view, this incident may reflect a wider pattern in which prosecutorial powers are allegedly used to protect politically connected individuals through mechanisms such as nolle prosequi, often at the expense of justice.

?The Office of the Attorney-General must never be reduced to a political sanctuary for the powerful,? Onwubiko said. ?Its legitimacy rests on its ability to defend justice, not obstruct it.?

HURIWA called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to guarantee the safety of Dr. Eze, witnesses, and their legal counsel, urging the Lagos State Government to allow the case to proceed free of interference.

The group also reminded the Federal Government of its responsibility to protect diaspora Nigerians returning to invest in the country.

?Justice must not only be done ? it must be seen to be done,? Onwubiko said. ?If this culture of interference is allowed to persist, it will embolden criminals, destroy public trust, and entrench impunity.?

HURIWA pledged to continue monitoring the trial and to take further legal or advocacy actions as necessary.

?This case is not just about one man or one piece of land ? it is about the integrity of the Nigerian justice system,? the group emphasised.

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