The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh Moshood, has been named in fresh contempt proceedings filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged disobedience of a subsisting court order relating to the disputed premises occupied by Nestoil Group in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The suit was initiated by Drawcok Estates Ltd, which claims ownership of the property. The company alleges that the police commissioner directed the deployment of more than fifty armed officers to seal the premises on Monday, despite an order by Justice R.N. Ofili Ajumogobia restraining security operatives from interfering with the site.

Drawcok Estates Ltd further contends that police officers were assigned to provide security for Mr. Sulu Gambari, who has presented himself as a receiver-manager appointed during earlier proceedings before Justice Isaac Dipeolu. Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi had previously vacated all orders made by Justice Dipeolu in that matter, including the receiver-manager appointment.

According to court documents, the applicant is asking the court to hold CP Moshood in contempt and commit him to prison unless he complies with the directives contained in Justice Ofili Ajumogobia’s ruling of November 24, 2025.

Background to the Court Order

In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2385/2025, Justice Ofili Ajumogobia affirmed the right of Drawcok Estates Ltd to possess the properties located in Maitama, Abuja and at 41/42 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. She ruled that prior sealing or occupation of the properties by security operatives constituted an infringement on the applicant’s constitutionally protected property rights.

The orders issued on November 24 directed the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to:

vacate the properties immediately;

deliver possession to the applicant;

provide security for the applicant to regain access;

and refrain from any acts that may amount to harassment or obstruction.

The court also stated that no police officer should act on the instructions of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in relation to the disputed premises.

Situation at the Premises

Reporters from Nigerian Concord Newspaper who visited the Nestoil Tower yesterday observed police officers restricting entry into the building. Several workers told the newspaper they were denied access to their offices despite presenting the November 24 court order that directed they be allowed into the premises.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the contempt suit or the allegations concerning deployment of police officers to the property.

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including OilWatch Nigeria (OWN), Workers’ Rights Alliance (WRA), and Concerned Citizens, has voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu regarding the reported removal of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

During a press briefing held near the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition accused Ojulari of causing significant harm to Nigeria’s economy and eroding public trust in governance.

Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria, Danladi Usman of Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Babatunde Anifowoshe of Nigeria Concerned Citizens spoke on behalf of the coalition.

They stated, “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ojulari to ensure accountability for his egregious actions, which have robbed Nigerians of their collective wealth and future.”

Describing the alleged dismissal as timely and necessary, the group commended Tinubu for what they described as a decisive action against corruption.

“This bold decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s vital oil sector. By acting swiftly, President Tinubu has sent a clear message that his administration will not tolerate economic sabotage or a betrayal of public trust. This action aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all Nigerians. We applaud the President for prioritizing the interests of the nation over those of a corrupt few and urge him to maintain this momentum by ensuring justice is fully served,” the CSOs said.

The organizations also praised the EFCC and other security agencies for their prompt actions, which reportedly included preventing Ojulari from fleeing the country by confiscating his passports and issuing a red alert at airports.

“These actions ensure that Ojulari cannot escape accountability for his alleged crimes, including the ₦34.65 billion scandal. We commend the professionalism of our security forces and encourage them to continue their resolve as they pursue a thorough investigation and prosecution of Ojulari and his accomplices,” the coalition stated.

They also expressed plans to engage the international community regarding this issue.

“To further safeguard justice, OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens will submit formal letters to the US Embassy, EU Delegation, and UK High Commission in Nigeria by Friday, August 8, 2025, urging them to impose a travel ban on Bayo Ojulari and his known associates,” they added.

Additionally, the group urged President Tinubu to go beyond the reported dismissal by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which they consider vital to the country’s economic future.

“We call on our dear President Tinubu, whose love for Nigeria has been demonstrated through this action, to take further steps by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Reviving this critical asset will restore Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, create jobs, and benefit millions of Nigerians. It is the height of economic sabotage to keep this refinery closed due to one man’s desire to sell it to his allies as scrap and divert its crude oil allocation to cronies for personal gain.”

The coalition also demanded that the EFCC expedite Ojulari’s prosecution for the alleged ₦34.65 billion scandal, crude oil diversion, and other corrupt practices. “Justice must be swift and transparent to deter future economic sabotage,” they concluded.

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