Tension and disbelief filled the courtroom of the High Court of the FCT, Bwari Judicial Division today as the Nigeria Police Force and nine others once again failed to appear in a contempt proceeding filed by embattled fintech entrepreneur, Obol Jesam Michael.
The matter, tagged “IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT: OBOL JESAM MICHAEL v. THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE & 9 ORS”, was slated for hearing before Hon. Justice Bagudu.
However, while E.A. Esin Esq., counsel for the applicant, was present and ready to proceed, the courtroom was stunned by the complete absence of the respondents—neither the Police nor any of the nine other parties were represented by legal counsel.
The court was informed that the Police had ignored no fewer than three separate court orders directing them to produce Jesam Michael in court, raising serious concerns about the deliberate defiance of lawful judicial authority.
“This is a direct assault on the integrity of the judiciary,” said Esin, who lamented the police’s continued disregard for the court’s authority. “The law must not be mocked, and this Court must not be taken for granted.”
Observers are now questioning the motive behind the Police’s silence and non-compliance:
Why are the Police avoiding court proceedings?
Why are they disobeying repeated lawful orders from a competent court?
Why is a man, yet to be convicted of any crime, languishing in detention while the confessed culprit walks free?
Sources close to the case claim the man at the center of the controversy, Mr. Jesam Michael—Founder of Afriq Arbitrage Systems—has been illegally held despite court orders for his release or presentation. The true suspect, a former employee alleged to have looted investor funds, is reportedly at large.
Critics say the Nigeria Police Force, known to have a strong legal unit, is deliberately dodging the judicial process in what appears to be an attempt to avoid accountability or frustrate the court’s ability to rule effectively.
“This is no longer just a legal issue—it’s a blatant human rights violation,” a rights advocate present in court remarked. “Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”
With each passing day, the case of Jesam Michael raises broader concerns about respect for rule of law and the troubling silence of law enforcement in the face of judicial scrutiny.
As proceedings were adjourned, the court indicated that it would consider the necessary legal steps to enforce compliance and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.
Will justice prevail—or will power continue to trample due process?
Nigerians are watching.
