Rotimi Seeks Police Intervention in NUC Court Judgment Dispute
A prolonged legal conflict between judgment creditor Kunle Rotimi and the National Universities Commission (NUC) has escalated, with Rotimi formally requesting police action to address what he claims is ongoing defiance of a valid court order. In a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, Rotimi has accused senior NUC officials of contempt of court and urged immediate enforcement of a Court of Appeal ruling issued in his favor.
Details of the Court Order and Alleged Non-Compliance
The petition, dated March 2, 2026, and delivered to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, references a final judgment by the Court of Appeal in Lagos on June 28, 2024. This ruling mandated the NUC to reinstate Rotimi and settle all outstanding entitlements, including salaries, emoluments, allowances, and benefits accruing from 1996 up to the judgment date. However, Rotimi alleges that nearly two years later, the commission has failed to adhere to this directive, labeling the situation a blatant breach of the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.
Accusations of Legal Obstruction and Misconduct
Rotimi further contends that the head of the NUC legal unit collaborated with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the commission to hinder the judgment's execution. He asserts that they conspired to file court documents containing perjury and forgery, effectively obstructing justice. According to Rotimi, these actions have delayed enforcement for over 21 months, despite the judgment being final and binding.
Call for Police Action and Broader Implications
Emphasizing the police's constitutional role as the primary law enforcement body, Rotimi has called on the IGP to compel the NUC management to comply with the court order without further delay. He expressed confidence in the police's integrity, warning that continued disobedience by a federal agency erodes public trust in the justice system and damages institutional credibility. Rotimi also noted that he has previously reported the commission's counsel to multiple authorities, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Ministries of Education and Justice, and even UNESCO, over alleged misconduct such as perjury and concealment of material facts.
Appeal for Compliance and Resource Management
In his petition, Rotimi urged the NUC to protect its institutional reputation by adhering to the court's directive. He cautioned against further waste of public funds in prolonging a matter already resolved by a competent court, highlighting the need for accountability and respect for judicial authority in Nigeria's governance framework.
