“Disobedience Of Court Orders Threatens Democracy” — NBA Lagos Branch Stages Protest Against Nigerian Navy’s Defiance Of Court Judgment

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, on Friday, 12th September 2025, staged a peaceful protest against the Nigerian Navy’s declaration of its member, Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo (Rtd.), as a “deserter,” in defiance of a valid judgment of the National Industrial Court.

Led by Branch Chairman Mrs. Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, members of the Executive Committee and several lawyers gathered at Marine Bridge, Apapa, where they were met by a heavy security presence including armed Police, Military personnel, DSS operatives, and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps officers.

By 11:00 a.m., the lawyers marched to NNS Beecroft, Apapa, and were received by Naval officers, where they were later addressed by Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel. Mrs. Akingbade presented the purpose of the protest: to condemn the Navy’s disregard of a subsisting Court judgment and to deliver a protest letter to the Chief of Naval Staff through the Flag Officer Commanding.

Commodore Nimmyel, however, refused to accept the letter on behalf of the Navy, insisting it be delivered directly to the Chief of Naval Staff in Abuja and suggested dialogue before protest. Mrs. Akingbade countered, asserting: “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. You cannot call for dialogue while disobeying a Court order and persisting in unlawful actions against our member.”

Present at the protest were Branch officers, including Mr. James Sonde (Vice Chairman and Chairman, Human Rights Committee), Mr. Kelechukwu Uzoka (Secretary), Mrs. Oge Mokelu (Treasurer), Mr. Oliver Omoredia (Publicity Secretary), as well as branch members Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs. Chinelo Okonkwo, Mr. Shola Lamid, Mr. Victory Ilugo, and other prominent members.

 

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The NBA Lagos Branch reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Rule of Law, warning that disobedience of Court orders by institutions poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy.

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