Taraba magistrate accuses DPO of disobeying court order, detaining complainants
A senior magistrate from the Upper Area Court in Ibi, Taraba State, T.Y. Atiku, has submitted a formal petition to the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice regarding alleged disobedience of a court order, interference with judicial proceedings, and unlawful detention of complainants by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ibi.
The allegations stem from a case brought before the court on November 11 by complainants Tijjani Ibrahim Aminu, Ibrahim Aminu, and Bello Ibrahim Aminu, who accused a defendant, Kasimu, of criminal force and assault, defamation, criminal trespass, and disturbing the public peace. Atiku noted that the court had issued an arrest warrant for the defendant.
On the same day, around 10 a.m., Atiku claims that Sergeant Dauda Bitrus attempted to arrest the complainants while in the magistrate’s chambers, asserting that the defendant had filed a counter-complaint against them. Atiku expressed surprise at the officer’s actions, questioning the rationale behind arresting individuals whose case was already pending before the court.
Despite initial attempts to resolve the issue, Atiku allowed police to take the complainants for questioning, directing them to return within one hour for a formal mention of the case. However, he alleges that the police did not comply and instead detained the complainants at the police division.
Furthermore, Atiku accused the DPO of initiating related proceedings at the police station on the same day and adjourning the matter for further witness hearings. He described this as an interference with judicial proceedings and requested the DPO produce the parties before the court at 9 a.m. on November 12. However, they were reportedly not presented when the court convened.
Atiku expressed concern about what he characterized as a disregard for judicial authority in his petition. He stated, “It is troubling that some police officers do not understand that the court can issue appropriate orders when necessary.” He emphasized the importance of police officers recognizing the limits of their investigative roles and respecting judicial authority.
The magistrate warned that such conduct could jeopardize justice and exacerbate insecurity in Southern Taraba. He also raised concerns about the failure of some officers to acknowledge the professional boundaries between police investigations and judicial functions.
Atiku’s petition calls for intervention from the Attorney General and requests that the case be brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police in Taraba State. He seeks an investigation into the conduct of the involved officers as well as appropriate disciplinary actions against any found liable. Additionally, the magistrate advocates for regular training of police personnel to enhance their understanding of professional responsibilities.
The petition has also been shared with the Chief Judge of Taraba State, the Commissioner of Police for the Taraba State Command, the Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria in the state, as well as the heads of the Nigerian Bar Association branches in Jalingo and Wukari, and the DPO of Ibi.
