Contempt Drama Unfolds: Police Snub Court Again as Jesam Michael Seeks Justice Over Unlawful Detention

Contempt Drama Unfolds: Police Snub Court Again as Jesam Michael Seeks Justice Over Unlawful Detention

Tension and disbelief gripped the courtroom of the High Court of the FCT, Bwari Judicial Division today, as the Nigeria Police Force and nine other respondents once again failed to appear in contempt proceedings filed by embattled fintech entrepreneur, Obol Jesam Michael.

The matter, titled “IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR COMMITTAL FOR CONTEMPT: OBOL JESAM MICHAEL v. THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE & 9 ORS”, was scheduled for hearing before Hon. Justice Bagudu.

While E.A. Esin Esq., counsel for the applicant, was present and ready to proceed, the courtroom was stunned by the complete absence of the respondents—neither the Police nor any of the nine other parties were represented by legal counsel.

The court was informed that the Police had disregarded no fewer than three separate court orders directing them to produce Jesam Michael in court, raising serious concerns about the apparent defiance of lawful judicial authority.

“This is a direct assault on the integrity of the judiciary,” said Esin, who condemned the Police’s continued disregard for the court’s authority. “The law must not be mocked, and this Court must not be taken for granted.”

Observers are now questioning the motive behind the Police’s silence and non-compliance:

• Why are the Police avoiding court proceedings?
• Why are they disobeying repeated lawful orders from a competent court?
• Why is a man, yet to be convicted of any crime, languishing in detention while the confessed culprit walks free?

Sources close to the case allege that Mr. Jesam Michael—Founder of Afriq Arbitrage Systems—has been unlawfully detained, despite multiple court orders for his release or presentation. The actual suspect, a former employee accused of looting investor funds, is reportedly at large.

Critics argue that the Nigeria Police Force—widely known to possess a robust legal department—is deliberately evading the judicial process, in what appears to be an effort to frustrate the court and avoid accountability.

“This is no longer just a legal matter—it’s a flagrant human rights violation,” remarked a rights advocate present in court. “Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”

With each passing day, the case of Jesam Michael raises deeper concerns about the respect for the rule of law and the troubling silence of law enforcement in the face of judicial scrutiny.

As proceedings were adjourned, the court indicated that it would consider appropriate legal measures to enforce compliance and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.

Will justice prevail—or will power continue to trample due process?
Nigerians are watching.