Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
The Lagos State Police Command has firmly denied media reports alleging that Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, disregarded a Federal High Court order in the ongoing legal dispute involving Nestoil Limited.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the reports—along with a related television interview titled “Lagos commissioner defies court order on Nestoil premises”—as misleading, inaccurate, and deliberately crafted to undermine the integrity of the police.
Police Say They Acted Strictly Within the Law
Adebisi clarified that Nestoil’s headquarters in Victoria Island had been sealed by court officials, with police personnel only present to provide standard security during the execution of the court’s directive.
According to her, the police received the formal court order at 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, after which it was immediately sent to the Police Legal Department for verification.
“Confirmation from the issuing court was received on Friday evening, and all officers stationed at the premises were withdrawn promptly and fully in line with the court’s instruction,” she said.
The Command expressed surprise that despite complying strictly with the order, certain reports still suggested that CP Jimoh had acted unlawfully or interfered with the court process.
Commissioner Never Visited Nestoil Premises
Adebisi further clarified that the Commissioner of Police did not visit the Nestoil premises on Thursday or Friday and had no personal involvement in the enforcement beyond ensuring that officers maintained law and order while court sheriffs carried out their duties.
“The police have no authority to seal any premises, including Nestoil’s. Our role is solely to provide protection to court officials and to maintain peace during enforcement actions,” she emphasized.
Command Urges Media Accuracy, Reaffirms Commitment to Law
The Police Command condemned the spread of what it described as “false information” and advised those behind the reports to concentrate on their court proceedings rather than attempt to drag the police into the controversy.
Adebisi said the public should dismiss the claims entirely, labeling them as baseless.
Meanwhile, the Command reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, judicial compliance, and professionalism in managing civil disputes.
