The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by Ihuoma Julia Nneji seeking to void a warrant of arrest issued against her in connection with a cyberstalking case. The ruling, delivered on Monday, June 15, by Justice M.G. Umar, found no merit in the application and upheld the warrant, allowing law enforcement to proceed with its execution.
Court Upholds Earlier Arrest Warrant
Justice Umar ruled that the court could not prevent the police from carrying out their statutory duties and declined to interfere with the investigative powers of the Nigeria Police Force. The arrest warrant, originally issued in April 2025, remains valid and enforceable.
The case stems from allegations of criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking made against Nneji following a petition by Abuja-based lawyer Barrister Henry Uzochukwu. In April 2025, police declared Nneji wanted in connection with these allegations.
Details of the Application
Nneji, who is the daughter of Chief Frank Nneji, founder of ABC Transport, approached the court seeking to vacate the warrant issued in favor of the Inspector-General of Police in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/627/25. However, Justice Umar dismissed the application entirely, emphasizing that the court could not restrain the police from performing duties assigned to them under the law.
Legal Implications of the Decision
With the dismissal, the warrant of arrest issued on April 16, 2025, remains valid, and law enforcement authorities may proceed to locate and arrest Nneji regarding the allegations. The court did not make any determination on the substantive allegations, which remain unproven unless established through due legal process.
Legal observers note that the ruling highlights the courts' reluctance to interfere with investigative powers granted to law enforcement agencies when due process has been followed. The decision clears the way for police to execute the warrant, but the underlying allegations against Nneji are yet to be adjudicated.
