The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a flagrant abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), following reports that he directed a fresh reinvestigation into the Lekki land grabbing case currently pending before a competent court.
HURIWA said the move represents a gross violation of due process and a direct affront to judicial independence, warning that it undermines the sanctity of the courts and erodes public confidence in the rule of law.
The case in question, HURIWA explained, involves the illegal demolition and takeover of property owned by Dr. Obidigwe Eze, a U.S.-based dentist who lawfully purchased the land in 2005 through a legitimate chain of ownership linked to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), former Chief Security Officer to the late General Sani Abacha.
After thorough investigation by the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, the suspects were charged with land fraud and criminal conspiracy in a five-count charge now before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square.
“It is alarming and unconstitutional,” HURIWA said, “that while trial is ongoing before a competent court, the Attorney-General would order a reinvestigation of the same matter — effectively attempting to second-guess the judiciary.”
Citing Section 211(3) of the 1999 Constitution, HURIWA emphasized that the Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers must be exercised in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.
“The word shall in that section is not decorative — it is binding,” said Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator.
“Therefore, any action taken in bad faith, or to protect vested interests, is not only unconstitutional but a betrayal of the very office the Attorney-General swore to uphold.”
HURIWA warned that the Attorney-General’s office is not a political tool to shield the powerful from accountability, stressing that the law must serve the people, not personal or political connections.
The rights group questioned the motives behind the reinvestigation, pointing out that even Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) — counsel to one of the defendants — publicly opposed the directive in open court, describing it as “an abuse of judicial process.”
“Even the defence counsel rejected the Attorney-General’s move. So whose interest is this serving?” Onwubiko asked.
HURIWA also expressed concern over reports that one of the defendants, Mr. Adebayo Akeju, has allegedly been boasting about his political and judicial connections to influence the process.
“Such conduct, if true, is both unethical and unconstitutional,” HURIWA noted. “The Attorney-General is duty-bound under Sections 13 and 15(5) of the Constitution to abolish corruption and abuse of power — not to enable them.”
The association lamented what it called a recurring pattern of interference by certain Attorneys-General who misuse their constitutional powers — such as nolle prosequi — to shield politically exposed individuals.
“That is not justice; it is corruption wearing a constitutional mask,” HURIWA declared. “When the rule of law bends to influence, the entire system collapses.”
HURIWA called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the safety of Dr. Eze, witnesses, and legal representatives, warning against intimidation or harassment.
It also urged the Lagos State Government to demonstrate leadership by allowing the court process to proceed without political interference.
“The government cannot encourage diaspora Nigerians to invest at home and then fail to protect their property when powerful people encroach upon it,” the group stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, HURIWA vowed to continue monitoring the case, engage relevant authorities, and mobilize public pressure to ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied.
“This case is no longer about one man or one piece of land,” Onwubiko said.
“It is about whether justice in Nigeria still stands above power, or whether power has finally conquered justice.”
“Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done.”
