The Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies from arresting retired Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo, following the issuance of a ‘deserter signal’ against him.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who granted the order, ruled that the deserter signal numbered 643NG, dated September 3, 2025, must not be executed until the substantive suit is heard and determined. The order was issued following an ex parte motion filed by Labinjo’s lawyer, Andrew Igboekwe (SAN).
The respondents in the case include the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy Board, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The court further restrained the respondents and other law enforcement agencies from arresting Labinjo for reasons connected to the signal or any other matter, except on the basis of a valid court order, pending the hearing of the substantive application
Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the case to October 20, 2025, while maintaining that the deserter signal shall remain unexecuted until the enforcement of Labinjo’s fundamental rights is fully determined.
