Lagos Police Reject Claims of Defying Court Order in Nestoil Dispute

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed media reports claiming that Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood, violated a court order in the ongoing dispute involving Nestoil Limited.

In a statement on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the reports as “false, unfounded, and mischievous,” insisting that the Commissioner has never acted in defiance of any judicial directive.

The statement clarified that the court order cited in the reports was formally received at the Command headquarters at 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025. It was immediately forwarded to the Police Legal Department for verification, and the confirmation report was returned the following evening, November 21.

“Following the confirmation, all police officers at the Nestoil premises were withdrawn without delay on the same day, in full compliance with the court’s instruction,” the statement noted.

The Command stressed that it was therefore “shocking and malicious” to suggest that CP Moshood defied the court. “For clarity, CP Olohundare Moshood did not visit Nestoil’s premises on November 20 or November 21, 2025,” the statement added. “Our role was strictly limited to providing security for the Court Sheriff during the enforcement of a valid court order and maintaining peace and order throughout the process. At no time did the Police obstruct or interfere with the enforcement.”

The police further clarified that they do not have the legal authority to seal or unseal any premises, including Nestoil’s. Their statutory duty is to safeguard judicial officials and lawful agents while they carry out court-directed enforcement.

“The attempt to draw the Lagos Commissioner of Police into the dispute between Nestoil and other parties is mischievous and unnecessary,” Adebisi said.

Reaffirming their commitment to due process, the statement emphasized that CP Moshood “derives his authority from the law and will never act in violation of a court order.” The Command urged the public to disregard misleading reports and assured that it remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.