The FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has stopped the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), and ACP Yakubu Sule from arresting or questioning top officials of the Action Alliance (AA).
Justice Chizoba N. Oji gave the order on August 6, 2025. She directed the respondents and their agents to maintain the status quo. This applies to a police invitation dated July 10, 2025, and any further arrest attempts.
The court order protects AA National Chairman, Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze; National Secretary, Vernimbe A. James; National Treasurer, Ekeng Effiom Effiom; National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha; and National Legal Adviser, Barr Emeka Anukwue.
The case arises from a leadership dispute within the party. The court’s decision ensures the leaders remain free pending the hearing of the substantive motion.
Court Approves Special Service Methods
The court allowed the Udeze-led leadership to serve all legal documents on the IGP, FCID, and ACP Sule through the Police legal department at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
It also approved substituted service on the fifth respondent, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje. The documents will be posted at Plot 955, No. 17 Femi Otedola Crescent, 7th Avenue, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
Justice Oji declared these service methods valid. She adjourned the substantive motion for enforcement of fundamental rights to August 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Hearing notices will be sent to all respondents.
Action Alliance Reacts
In a statement on Friday, AA National Secretary Vernimbe A. James accused Omoaje, a former member, of using the police to disrupt the party’s leadership.
James said Omoaje lost several cases in different courts, including the Supreme Court. All judgments upheld Udeze’s leadership.
According to James, the latest police action aims to obstruct the party’s lawful operations. He said the leadership had no choice but to seek judicial protection.
