Controversy trailed a directive by Lawal Pedro, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, ordering a fresh investigation into a protracted Lekki land dispute already before the Lagos High Court.
The move, which has drawn sharp criticism from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), is described as a potential abuse of prosecutorial powers and an affront to judicial independence.
At a press conference held in Abuja, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s national coordinator, criticised the Attorney-General’s reported decision to reopen investigations into the case, which is currently being prosecuted before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court.
According to HURIWA, the case involves a contested Lekki property acquired in 2005 by Obidigwe Eze., a U.S.-based dentist.
The group explained that the property was allegedly demolished and taken over in Eze’s absence, leading to a criminal prosecution on a five-count charge after an investigation by the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Despite the matter being active in court, HURIWA alleged that the Attorney-General has directed a new round of investigation, a move the association described as unnecessary, unconstitutional, and capable of undermining judicial independence.
Quoting Section 211(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, Onwubiko stressed that while the Attorney-General has the authority to institute or discontinue criminal proceedings, such powers must be exercised “in the public interest, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of legal process.”
“The Attorney-General’s powers are not absolute; they are circumscribed by law, morality, and accountability. Any action that undermines a pending trial disrespects the judiciary and erodes public trust”, Onwubiko said.
It warned that any appearance of bias, interference, or undue influence in the matter would be a “serious affront to constitutional principles.”
“Any conduct that even remotely suggests bias, influence, or compromise is not only unethical, it is unconstitutional,” he stated.
HURIWA said the development reflects a growing trend in which prosecutorial powers are allegedly weaponised to shield politically connected individuals from justice through mechanisms such as nolle prosequi.
“The Office of the Attorney-General must never be reduced to a political sanctuary for the powerful. Its legitimacy rests on its ability to defend justice, not obstruct it”, Onwubiko warned.
The association urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure the safety of Eze, witnesses, and their legal representatives.
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It also called on the Lagos State Government to allow the ongoing trial to proceed without interference.
HURIWA reminded the federal government of its obligation to protect Nigerians in the diaspora who invest back home, saying that the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system was at stake.
“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. If this culture of interference is allowed to persist, it will embolden criminals, destroy public trust, and entrench impunity”, Onwubiko said.
