The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police and other security agencies from arresting or harassing the National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Kenneth Udeze, and members of his executive.
Justice Chizoba Oji, in an ex parte ruling, ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, and Yakubu Sule to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of a motion in a fundamental rights suit.
The order also barred the police from acting on a July 10, 2025 letter linked to the leadership dispute.
Court documents are to be served on the police through their Legal Department at Force Headquarters, while service on the fifth respondent, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, is to be effected by pasting at his Abuja residence.
Others covered by the order include AA National Secretary Vernimbe James, Treasurer Ekeng Effiom, Financial Secretary Ali Abacha, and Legal Adviser Emeka Anukwuem.
Omoaje, a former party member, was accused of instigating police action after losing a series of court cases.
The AA leadership said at least nine judgments, including Supreme Court decisions, have affirmed Udeze’s chairmanship.
In a statement, the party alleged that Omoaje, whose appeal at the Supreme Court is still pending, had “resorted to the police for self-help” and was pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as chairman.
It urged INEC to respect the outcome of the party’s February 22, 2025 national convention.
“Instead of waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision, Omoaje is trying to stop the legitimate leadership from performing its duties.
This madness must stop,” the statement read.
The AA leadership also condemned what it described as “disturbing” police actions against African Action Congress chairman, Omoyele Sowore, calling for his immediate release or arraignment if there are valid charges against him.