Court stops police from arresting Nedu Wazobia

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from arresting, detaining, or interrogating popular broadcaster Chinedu Ani, widely known as Nedu Wazobia, over an alleged breach of contract.

The ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Nedu Wazobia alongside five co-applicants, who claimed their fundamental rights were under threat.

In the order, Justice Dipeolu specifically prohibited the IGP, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Alagbon, and other officers from summoning or detaining the applicants in connection with a contractual dispute involving the Metropolitan School of Business.

However, the judge declined a separate request to compel the police to maintain the status quo in all matters relating to the transactions between the parties.

Other respondents in the suit include Victor Ariyibi-Oke, Mrs. Tolulope Ariyibi-Oke, CSP Ngozi Braide, ASP Stephen Onihane, and Inspector Echeng Julius.

Apart from Nedu, the other applicants are Sarah Williams-Konha, Avalon Okpe, Ada Okpe, Barbara Okwaranobi, and Tokindrumz Pictures and Media Nigeria Ltd.

According to an affidavit filed before the court, the applicants said they partnered with the respondents in early 2024 to organize an educational charity project aimed at raising school fees for underprivileged students. The initiative featured a high-profile fundraising gala, which the respondents allegedly agreed to sponsor at a cost exceeding N83 million.

Despite the successful event in March 2024, which attracted both pledges and cash donations,  the respondents reportedly demanded a refund of N60 million, which the applicants described as unjustified.

They further alleged that after the fallout of the partnership, the respondents petitioned the police, leading to repeated summons and harassment. Some applicants claimed they were unlawfully detained in July 2025, while others had their passports seized.

The applicants maintained that the disagreement was purely contractual and should not have triggered any criminal investigation.

They asked the court to declare the police actions unlawful, unconstitutional, and an abuse of power. They also sought an order directing the return of their passports and restraining further harassment in relation to the contract.

Additionally, the plaintiffs are demanding N2 billion in damages from the respondents for alleged infringement of their fundamental rights.

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