The police is planning to take stiffer sanction against Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for taking the force to court over his demotion, Sunday Trust learnt yesterday.
Ribadu Wednesday asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to put on hold, plans by the Inspector General of police, Mike Okiro to redeploy him as a Deputy Commissioner of police.
Police sources told Sunday Trust Ribadu ought not to have gone to court without first seeking permission from the Inspector General of Police to do so as stipulated by Police Regulations.
One source opined that Ribadu might have concluded that the IGP might refuse such request, “but that is the rule,” it added.
Sources at Force Headquarters said policemen were not allowed to sue the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the entire Force over any decision, but that they were expected to abide by orders from their superiors and to challenge such orders either in a court of law or in whatever form might attract serious punishment including dismissal.
“Ribadu must have relied on the constitution which accords everybody the right to fair hearing but he is of the police force which has its Act and other regulations,” a source said.Ribadu also sought an interim injunction of the court to restrain the defendants from punishing, suspending, interdicting, restricting his freedom of movement, and or any of his rights or doing anything against him as a consequence of the suit, pending the final determination of the suit.
The co-defendants to the suit are the Police Service Commission, Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro and Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aanodoaka.
In a 42-paragraph affidavit of urgency deposed to by Ribadu, the erstwhile chairman of the EFCC averred that he never lobbied for the promotions granted him by the administration of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo.
He informed the court that the defendants intended to deliberately redeploy him as DCP to a carefully chosen location where his life would be in danger. He therefore, urged the court to grant the interim injunctions, saying: “I fear for my safety and consequently seek the protection of the court as a matter of utmost urgency.”
Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), lawyer to Ribadu said the reason why the plaintiff decided to file the suit was to seek a judicial protection for the safety of Ribadus’ life.
According to Oyetibo: “The life of Nuhu Ribadu is in danger and he requires judicial protection. Before now, he (Ribadu) was occupying the post of AIG but the IGP took the view that Ribadu did not attend the course at the national institute before being promoted as AIG. He was subsequently asked to proceed on the course and on October 24, Ribadu became aware that he is to be redeployed as DCP to a location where his life is to be in danger.”
While delivering his ruling, Justice Mustapha granted leave to Ribadu to issue the defendants with the originating summons outside Lagos and Abuja.
On the interim injunctions being sought by the plaintiff, the CJ said: “I’m not prepared to go into that until I hear from the respondents.”
He consequently adjourned the matter till tomorrow for further hearing.