Court Stops Navy from Arresting Retired Vice Admiral Dada Labinjo Over ‘Deserter Signal’

Court Stops Navy from Arresting Retired Vice Admiral Dada Labinjo Over ‘Deserter Signal’

The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an order restraining the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies from arresting Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo (retired)following a “deserter signal” earlier circulated against him by the naval authorities.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who granted the order, directed that the deserter signal numbered 643NG and dated September 3, 2025, which called for Labinjo’s arrest, “shall remain unexecuted” pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

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The ruling came after the court heard an ex parte motion filed by Labinjo’s counsel, Andrew Igboekwe (SAN).

Respondents in the case include the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy Board and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Justice Lewis-Allagoa also granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents and other law enforcement agencies from arresting the applicant on account of the signal or for any other reason, except by the valid order of a competent court, until the substantive matter is decided.

He ordered that the signal “shall remain unexecuted by the respondents” pending the determination of the motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental rights.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until October 20 for further hearing.