IGP partly complies with Court order in missing Anozie case, Lawyer seeks full implementation

● Police forward case file to AGF, but arrest of named SARS Officers and payment of damages still outstanding

The Inspector General of Police has taken a first step toward complying with a Federal High Court judgement in the case of Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie, who allegedly disappeared after being abducted by operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in Anambra State in 2017.

At the resumed hearing of contempt proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/865/2025: Engr. Nnenna Anozie v. Inspector General of Police before Justice Binta F.M. Nyako on Friday, counsel to the applicant, Vincent Adodo, informed the court that a notice of compliance had been filed by counsel to the IGP, Stanley Nwodo.

—What The Police Have Done—

According to the notice, the police have transmitted the case file — containing the legal advice and investigation report into Anozie’s abduction and disappearance — to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

That action aligns with one of the directives in the Federal High Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2025

Adodo welcomed the development as “an important milestone in the long-running search for justice,” but said full compliance is still pending.

—Outstanding Orders—

The applicant’s legal team listed three key orders yet to be implemented:

1. Release of Certified True Copy: A CTC of the duplicate case file to Mrs. Nnenna Anozie.
2. Arrest and Prosecution: The arrest of ASP Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu and Sergeant Ugochukwu Emeana, named as principal suspects in the alleged abduction, and their handover to the AGF for prosecution.
3. Payment of Damages: The payment of ₦2 million awarded by the court for violating Mrs. Anozie’s right to freedom of information.

—Lawyer Commends Court, Urges Full Compliance—

Reacting after proceedings, Adodo commended the IGP for transmitting the file to the AGF and expressed optimism that the remaining orders would be enforced.

He also praised Justice Nyako for what he described as “compassion and commitment to ensuring justice” for Mrs. Anozie, whose husband was allegedly taken by SARS operatives in Awkuzu, Anambra State, in June 2017 and has not been seen since.

According to Adodo, progress in the matter is largely due to the court’s insistence on accountability.

“The family has waited 9 years for answers. Transmitting the file is progress, but justice will only be complete when the suspects are arrested, prosecuted, the judgment sum is paid, and Mrs. Anozie receives the documents she is entitled to,” he said.

The case has been adjourned to enable the court monitor further compliance by the police authorities.