The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies from arresting Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo (retired), following a ‘deserter signal’ the service issued against him.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, who issued the order, also ordered that the deserter signal numbered 643NG and dated September 3, 2025, which ordered the arrest or apprehension of the retired naval officer “shall remain unexecuted” until the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Justice made the orders while granting an ex parte motion filed by Labinjo’s lawyer, Andrew Igboekwe (SAN).

Respondents in the suit are the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy Board and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Justice Lewis-Allagoa granted an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents and other law enforcement agencies from arresting the applicant either on account of the signal or any other account whatsoever, other than a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

He ordered that the signal “shall remain unexecuted by the respondents” pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental rights. (The Nation)