A civil society organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has raised concerns over repeated adjournments in an alleged murder case it instituted against the Inspector-General of Police and one Asabe Waziri.
The group, which is the plaintiff in the suit, accused both the Nigeria Police and Waziri of contributing to delays that it says have hindered justice for the victim’s family.
GICN noted that nearly two years after filing the case, the police have only entered a conditional appearance without taking further steps to advance the proceedings.
According to the organisation, the suit filed on May 18, 2024, and assigned to Justice Gladys Olotu has already been adjourned about five times.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to compel the police to release the final investigation report of an alleged “unresolved murder” involving Waziri, a staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In the suit marked FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, GICN is asking the court to grant leave for a judicial review through an order of mandamus directing the police to release the report, following a demand letter dated May 2, 2024.
The organisation also argued that the police’s failure to release the requested documents, as outlined in a letter dated May 27, 2024, violates provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, describing the refusal as wrongful and unjustifiable.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, GICN through its legal representative, Peter Chidiebere Nworie expressed frustration over the delays and called for the case to be reassigned to another judge.
Parts of the letter read, “We write as Legal Practitioners to The Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), hereinafter referred to as our Client, in respect of the above-mentioned suit. The suit is presently pending before the Federal High Court 2, presided over by Hon. Justice G.K. Olotu.
“From the records, the suit is a simple application for Judicial Review by way of Mandamus, filed on 18th May, 2024, seeking the release of a certain final investigation report of the 1st Respondent.
“As it stands, the suit has remained pending for an inordinately long period through no fault of the Applicant. Despite the Applicant’s consistent diligence, the matter has suffered unnecessary adjournments, largely attributable to the actions of the Respondents.
“It is pertinent to note that Mrs Asabe Waziri sought and was joined as 2nd Respondent to the suit, notwithstanding that the reliefs sought do not lie against her but are strictly directed at the statutory duty of the 1st Respondent.
“As if that was not enough, the 1st Respondent only filed a Conditional Memorandum of Appearance on 3! October, 2025 and failed to further engage with the proceedings or file and serve substantive processes.
“On 12 January, 2026 the matter came up with the Applicant represented whilst the Respondents never showed up. It happened that His Lordship did not sit on the said date because the court room was being renovated and the matter stands adjourned to 23rd March 2026 for hearing.
“In the circumstances and without any imputation against the integrity of the Presiding Judge, our Client respectfully urges Your Lordship to exercise the inherent administrative powers of your exalted office to order the transfer and or reassignment of this suit to another Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court. This will give room for expeditious hearing and determination of the suit in the overriding – interest of justice.”
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