By Asare Asare
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has ordered the Inspector General of Police not to rearrest cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Obol Jesam Michael, after failing to show cause why he should not be released.
Michael was arrested over issues surrounding cryptocurrency and had been in police detention. However, he filed an action for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.
In suit no. FCT/HC/CV/14/2024 and Motion No. FCT/HC/8W/M/139/2025, Honourable Justice M.A. Madugu of the High Court ordered his release on February 18, 2025.
The judge further restrained the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th respondents from rearresting or detaining Obol Jesam Michael without recourse to the court.
The order for his release was duly served on the Inspector General of Police and all officers involved in the matter, but they refused to comply.
Instead of obeying the court order, sources confirmed that the police took the entrepreneur to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an attempt to hand him over and frustrate the execution of the order.
According to sources, EFCC authorities declined to take over the matter, insisting that the police must obey the court’s directive to release Michael.
Findings further revealed that Michael was moved from a detention facility in Maitama, where he had been held for the past three weeks, to another undisclosed location.
A source in the Force Intelligence Department, who pleaded anonymity, denied allegations that the police refused to execute the court order.
The court is expected to hear the matter again on Monday, February 24, 2025.
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