Tension escalated yesterday after reports emerged that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police allegedly failed to comply with the Federal High Court order which vacated the Ex parte orders earlier obtained by FBNQuest Merchant Bank and First Bank Nigeria against Nestoil Limited.
The new Order of the Honourable Court dated 20 November 2025, which vacated the said Ex parte Orders ,was duly served on the CP Lagos State Police command and acknowledged. The court’s new order was also circulated to all relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to legal representatives for the companies involved, the DSS acknowledged and immediately complied with the court’s Order, withdrawing its operatives from locations previously secured under the now-vacated ex parte orders.
However, controversy erupted when the Lagos Police Command allegedly failed to withdraw its personnel, despite confirmation that the court’s vacating order had been formally served on the Commissioner of Police and the office of the IGP .
Lawyers for the affected firms claim that police officers “remained stationed at the Nestoil facilities” and continued to restrict access, a move they describe as “a clear breach of judicial authority.”
A senior legal counsel involved in the matter stated:
“The court has spoken. Security agencies do not have discretion in obeying judicial orders. The continued presence of police officers is unlawful and amounts to contempt.”
Experts have begun weighing in, warning that selective compliance with court orders by security agencies threatens the rule of law and called for the Inspector General of Police to intervene.
The Lagos State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations, as of press time.
