IGP seeks bench warrant against FIJ founder Soyombo
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Federal High Court in Abuja has denied the Inspector-General of Police's request for a bench warrant against FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo. The court determined that such a warrant is procedurally inappropriate as the defendant has not yet been brought before the court.
Context & Background
- ✦The legal dispute stems from investigative reports by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) regarding alleged financial impropriety in the office of a former Senior Special Assistant to the President.
- ✦The case highlights ongoing tensions between investigative journalists and state authorities regarding cyberstalking and defamation laws in Nigeria.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge who rejected the request for a bench warrant.•Fisayo Soyombo, FIJ founder, who maintains he has not been served with court processes and is willing to appear if properly notified.•Daniel Ojukwu, an FIJ correspondent currently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Outlook & Next Steps
The prosecution has filed a motion ex parte seeking the court's permission to serve Soyombo through electronic means, and Soyombo has indicated he will appear in court on December 1 if served.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- A Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the Inspector-General of Police's request to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo.
- Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that a bench warrant cannot be issued against a defendant who has not previously been brought before the court.
- The case involves a 12-count charge of cyberstalking and criminal defamation filed against Soyombo and FIJ correspondent Daniel Ojukwu regarding reports on former presidential aide Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Key Facts:Tuesday: The police prosecution team requested a bench warrant for Soyombo's arrest during court proceedings on Tuesday.N147,127,467.58: The investigative report cited in the charges alleged suspicious payments of N147,127,467.58 to Enseno Global Ventures Limited.March 2024: The police previously attempted to compel Soyombo's appearance in March 2024.
Editorial Excerpt
A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Inspector-General of Police to issue a bench warrant against FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why did the court refuse to issue a bench warrant for Fisayo Soyombo?
The court held that a bench warrant cannot be issued against a defendant who has not previously been brought before the court.
What are the charges filed against the FIJ journalists?
The defendants are facing a 12-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation of former presidential aide Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
