Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja was informed on Monday that the long-missing case file concerning police officers implicated in the 2017 abduction of businessman John Anozie has been located, marking a significant development in the nine-year legal battle by his wife, Nnenna Anozie.
Case File Found After Court Order
Vincent Adodo, counsel to Mrs. Anozie, reported to the court that the respondents had released the case file about two weeks ago, allowing his legal team to make photocopies. He stated that the original documents, along with the copies, were returned to the police for certification. “They have found the casefile,” Mr. Adodo said. “I don’t know what is holding them. The only thing they need to do is just to certify it.” In response, Justice Nyako remarked, “At least something is happening.”
Background of the Case
John Anozie was abducted from his home in Lagos in June 2017 by police officers from the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) based in Awkuzu, Anambra State. He has not been seen since. His wife, Nnenna Anozie, has pursued justice through courts and the #EndSARS Judicial Panel of Inquiry, which opened in 2020. The panel declared the case inconclusive after police repeatedly ignored summonses and failed to produce the accused officers or the case file.
The implicated officers include Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu (an assistant superintendent of police), Uzochukwu Emeana (a sergeant), John Eze (also known as T Boy), Oriole, and Sunday Okpe (a superintendent of police). Some have reportedly retired from the force.
Contempt Proceedings Initiated
In September 2025, Justice Nyako ordered the Inspector-General of Police to release the case file and produce the indicted officers, also awarding N2 million in favor of Mrs. Anozie. However, the police authorities ignored the judgment for about 10 months. In December 2025, Mrs. Anozie initiated contempt proceedings against the then-IGP Kayode Egbetokun for disobeying the court order. The proceedings progressed slowly until Mr. Egbetokun left office in February 2026, replaced by IGP Tunji Disu.
Judge Considers Transferring Case
During Monday’s proceedings, Justice Nyako expressed hesitation about continuing to handle the contempt case, stating, “I have been thinking about this matter, and I am of the opinion that I should send this case to one of my brother judges to take the contempt proceedings. I feel I have been so involved in the matter.” Mr. Adodo indicated that his client was comfortable with Justice Nyako continuing, but she adjourned the case until July 24 to decide whether to transfer it to another judge.
Two lawyers from the National Human Rights Commission, Comfort Olowomoran and Mariam Kadir, monitored the proceedings, but the police were not represented by any lawyer.
IGP’s Pledge to End Impunity
In April 2026, IGP Tunji Disu pledged to end police impunity, stating, “We are presently putting a lot together to ensure that this administration, moving forward, ends impunity in our nation.” He also promised “a more professional and more accountable police force in Nigeria.” The case continues to highlight the challenges of police accountability and the pursuit of justice for victims of enforced disappearances in Nigeria.
