The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Funds Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter has raised serious concerns over the increasing misuse of court orders to obstruct justice and shield alleged human rights abusers across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Country Director Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the commission highlighted a troubling pattern where perpetrators of injustice quickly obtain restraining orders to prevent law enforcement agencies from investigating or arresting them.
"This trend impairs the operational latitude of security agencies and increasingly undermines public confidence in the Nigerian judicial system," the statement read. The commission noted that even officials within the judiciary and security sectors have expressed concerns about this practice.
Call for Judicial Reform
While affirming their respect for the judiciary and the importance of court orders in a democratic society, the IHRC-RFT emphasized that these legal instruments should not become tools for oppression and impunity.
"We are not calling for the abolition of court orders," the commission clarified. "Rather, we are calling for reasonable safeguards to see that such orders are issued in accordance with principles of fairness, justice, and transparency to ensure they do not infringe upon the rights of victims or obstruct legitimate law enforcement."
The commission referenced Nigeria's obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), particularly Article 7, which states "Everyone is equal before the law and is entitled without any discrimination to equal protection before the law," and Article 8, which upholds the individual's right to seek remedy through competent national tribunals.
Call to Action
The IHRC-RFT has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the National and State Assemblies, governors, and all relevant authorities to investigate this matter urgently and implement systematic reforms.
The commission urged legal and judicial actors to ensure that court orders serve the principles of natural justice and human rights, rather than protecting individuals seeking to evade accountability.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's justice system and calls for comprehensive judicial reforms to restore public confidence.
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