The Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the Police Service Commission have appealed a High Court judgment on the arrest, detention and wanted declaration of Alhaji Hameed Tajudeen. The appeal, filed before the Court of Appeal in Lagos, is seeking to overturn the decision of Justice O.L. Alebiosu delivered on August 7, 2026, in Suit No. ID/ADR/21447MFHR/2026.
According to the Notice of Appeal filed by Lawlinks Legal Practitioners, the appellants disagreed with the lower court’s position that the police required another court order to declare Tajudeen wanted. They noted that Magistrate Court No. 3, Ogba had on February 16, 2026, in Charge No. MIK/60A/2026, already issued an order for his arrest and 14-day remand for investigation. The police authorities argued that the actions taken were lawful and fell within constitutional provisions for public safety, adding that Tajudeen’s alleged evasion and eventual arrest in the Republic of Benin with INTERPOL’s involvement were not adequately considered.
The appellants also maintained that where a suspect in serious criminal allegations flees the country, law enforcement agencies can pursue arrest and international cooperation. They relied on _Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari v. FRN_ (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1048) 320 to argue that the court should weigh individual rights against public safety and national security. They are urging the Court of Appeal to set aside reliefs 1 to 5 granted by the High Court and affirm the legality of the police action.
