Nigeria to Prosecute Officers in Businessman's Disappearance Case After Nine Years

Justice is on the horizon for the family of Lagos businessman John Anozie, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) will now prosecute the police officers accused of his disappearance.

This development follows a court order from Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court. Last September, the judge ordered the Inspector General of Police to release the investigation file, arrest the implicated officers, and hand them over to the AGF for prosecution. The court also mandated N2 million in damages for violating the wife's right to information.

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I hereby forward an acknowledgement of the forwarded case file to the Honourable Attorney General’s office by the Nigeria Police Force as requested by the order of the Court in the suit accordingly.

After delays in complying with the court's orders, Mrs. Nnena Anozie filed a committal to prison charge against the Inspector General in December. This action appears to have spurred compliance. Last week, the police forwarded the original case file to the AGF. A notice of compliance was filed in court on July 22, acknowledging the transfer.

The police letter to the AGF, dated July 15, cited the receipt of a "Notice to Show Cause" regarding the committal charge as the reason for action. The forwarded file includes the police investigation report, crime diary extracts, witness statements, statements from the accused officers, and legal advice.

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I have been directed to forward herewith the original case file in respect of the above case for your esteemed Office’s perusal, legal inputs and possible prosecution