The Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies from arresting retired Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo. This comes after the issuance of a “deserter signal” against him.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who granted the order, ruled that the deserter signal numbered 643NG, dated September 3, 2025, should be abandoned until the substantive suit is heard and determined.
The judge’s directive was issued following an ex parte motion filed by Labinjo’s lawyer, Andrew Igboekwe (SAN).
The respondents in the case include the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy Board, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa further barred the respondents and other law enforcement agencies from arresting Labinjo for reasons connected to the signal or any other matter, except on the basis of a valid court order, pending the hearing of the substantive application.
Adjourning the case to October 20, 2025, the judge maintained that the deserter signal must remain unexecuted until the enforcement of Labinjo’s fundamental rights is fully determined.
