The Inspector General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the Police Service Commission have filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lagos challenging a High Court judgment that held them liable for violating the fundamental rights of businessman Alhaji Hameed Tajudeen.
Appeal Filed Over High Court Judgment
The notice of appeal, dated Wednesday, July 2026, seeks to set aside the judgment delivered by Justice O. L. Alebiosu of the Ikeja Judicial Division on August 7, 2026, in Suit No: ID/ADR/21447MFHR/2026. The appellants are asking the appellate court to overturn the ruling that found the police in breach of Tajudeen's rights.
According to a statement made available to Legit.ng, the police argued that they obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Ogba, Ikeja, on February 16, 2026, under Charge No: MIK/60A/2026. This order authorised Tajudeen's arrest and a 14-day detention while investigations were ongoing.
Police Defend Declaration of Wanted Status
The appellants challenged the lower court's finding that they declared Tajudeen wanted without first obtaining a court order. They argued that the declaration was made to protect lives and property and fell within constitutional exceptions that allow the state to limit individual rights in the interest of public safety.
The police further maintained that Tajudeen could not be located because he had fled to the Benin Republic, which led to INTERPOL's involvement in securing his arrest. They also contended that the nature of the alleged offence, described in the filing as a felony and a capital offence, did not require a warrant for an arrest to be lawful.
Supreme Court Precedent Cited
To support their position, the appellants pointed to the Supreme Court decision in Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1048) 320. That case established that where national security is at stake, individual rights must be balanced against the broader interest of the public and the survival of the state.
The police faulted the trial court for failing to properly account for Tajudeen's alleged evasion when it granted the fundamental rights reliefs in his favour. The appellants are represented by Audu Augustine Enenche SAN, alongside A. Isola-Osobu, Nneka Hellene Uba, Kenneth Akaanyor, and Raymond Pila of Lawlinks Legal Practitioners. Tajudeen's interests are represented by Abraham Akaakaa.
No hearing date has been assigned to the appeal. The outcome of this appeal will determine whether the police's actions in declaring Tajudeen wanted and involving INTERPOL were lawful under Nigerian law.
