The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has welcomed the Inspector-General of Police’s compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court in the John Chukwuemeka Anozie enforced disappearance case.
In its judgement the Federal High Court directed that the investigation file, together with the legal advice and investigation report on the case be forwarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
RULAAC said in a press release on Saturday that a statement from the applicant’s Counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, during proceedings before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 24 July 2026 showed that Counsel to the IGP informed the Court that a notice of compliance had been filed.
RULAAC said this showed that the case file for Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/865/2025: Engr. Nnenna Anozie v. Inspector-General of Police,had been transmitted to the Attorney General in compliance with the Court’s judgment.
According to RULAAC this marks an important, albeit long overdue, milestone in a case that has come to symbolize the tragedy of enforced disappearance, police impunity, and the prolonged denial of justice in Nigeria.
Giving background to the case, RULAAC said: “Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie was allegedly abducted from his residence in Lekki, Lagos, on 15 June 2017 by operatives of the now-defunct Awkuzu SARS Unit.
“More than nine years later, his whereabouts remain unknown, while his wife, Mrs. Nnenna Anozie, and their children have continued to endure unimaginable anguish, uncertainty, and emotional trauma.”
RULAAC commended the Federal High Court for its steadfast commitment to ensuring compliance with its orders.
“We also salute the courage, resilience, and determination of Mrs. Nnenna Anozie, whose unwavering pursuit of justice has kept hope alive despite years of official delay, obstruction, and impunity,” RULAAC said.
Pointing out that the transmission of the investigation file was a significant development, the rights group noted that it was only one aspect of the Court’s judgment.
It insisted that justice wouls not be served until every outstanding order is fully implemented and all those responsible are brought to account.
Calling on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, RULAAC listed certain actions that would ensure that justice is served in the case.
The rights group, therefore, urged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to promptly review the investigation report and legal advice forwarded by the Nigeria Police Force; and institute, without delay, the prosecution of all officers indicted in connection with the abduction and enforced disappearance of Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.
The rights group also asked the AGF to ensure that no individual, irrespective of rank, position, or influence, is shielded from accountability; and as well as keep the victim’s family informed of the progress of the prosecution and ensure that the pursuit of justice remains transparent, diligent, and victim-centred.
“RULAAC also urges the Inspector-General of Police to comply fully with the remaining orders of the Federal High Court by: providing Mrs. Nnenna Anozie with the Certified True Copy of the duplicate investigation file.
It also urged the AGF to arrest and hand over all indicted officers to the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution; and to comply, without further delay, with the Court’s order awarding damages in favour of the applicant.
Stressing that the case was more than an individual tragedy, RULAAC said it was a defining test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, and its obligations under domestic and international law, to investigate enforced disappearances, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide effective remedies to victims and their families.
“For nearly a decade, Mrs. Nnenna Anozie and her family have waited for answers, truth, and justice.
“The Attorney General of the Federation now has a historic opportunity and a solemn responsibility to ensure that this case proceeds to prosecution without further delay. Justice delayed for so long must not be allowed to become justice denied.
“RULAAC will continue to monitor developments closely and will work alongside Mrs. Nnenna Anozie, her legal team, civil society partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that this long quest for truth, justice, and accountability reaches its lawful conclusion.
“We urge all relevant institutions to demonstrate, through decisive action, that enforced disappearance and other grave human rights violations have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law,” RULAAC said.
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