Ihuoma Julia Nneji, daughter of the founder of ABC Transport, Frank Nneji, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding a retraction and written apology after the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) declared her a “Wanted Person” without proper legal procedure.
In the petition, submitted through her lawyers, Pillar-Rest Attorneys, Nneji is demanding that the NPF-National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) retract its “Wanted Person” declaration within 48 hours. She also seeks an apology for the reputational damage and emotional distress caused by the announcement.
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the NPF-NCCC made an official announcement via its social media platforms, declaring Nneji wanted for alleged cybercrime activities, including criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking. The police notice, which was widely circulated, ordered that Nneji be arrested and brought to the nearest police station or the NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja.
The NPF’s action quickly sparked a public outcry, with many questioning the legality and fairness of such an announcement. Nneji’s lawyers argue that the declaration violated her fundamental rights, especially her right to be heard before such a decision was made.
The solicitors’ petition, titled *”Report of Unlawful Public Declaration of Ihuoma Julia Nneji ‘Wanted’ by The Nigerian Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre Unit In Breach of Her Fundamental Rights”*, was dated April 16, 2025. It was addressed to the IGP, the Director of the NPF-NCCC, and other relevant authorities within the Nigerian Police.
In the letter, Nneji’s legal team accused the NPF of acting recklessly by declaring her wanted without first informing her about the allegations or offering her the chance to respond. They emphasized that Nneji, a public figure, could have been easily contacted through her legal representatives or family members.
“This action taken by your office is a direct violation of our client’s constitutionally guaranteed rights and is both unlawful and reckless,” the petition reads.
The petition demands that the Nigerian Police immediately retract the “Wanted Person” notice and issue a public apology for the reputational damage caused to Nneji. The solicitors also requested a written undertaking from the NPF-NCCC, ensuring that Nneji’s rights would not be violated again in the future.
“Failure to comply with the above within the stipulated time will leave us with no option but to initiate appropriate legal proceedings,” the petition warns, including a claim for damages and a motion for public retraction.
The lawyers further stated that if the demands were not met, they would take legal action to enforce their client’s rights, including seeking both general and exemplary damages for the emotional trauma and harm caused by the public declaration.
The controversial notice stems from a legal dispute between Nneji and Barrister Henry Uzochukwu, who filed a petition against her for alleged defamation. Nneji, on the other hand, had filed a counter-suit against Uzochukwu in October 2024, accusing him of defaming her character. This case is currently pending in court.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Nneji’s lawyers argue that the NPF’s actions are unjustified, particularly given that no official invitation or communication was made to Nneji prior to the public declaration. The petition highlights the fact that the NPF failed to follow due process, which includes giving Nneji an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
“Our client is a decent, properly raised, and law-abiding citizen who has continued to conduct her personal and professional affairs with utmost decorum,” the solicitors wrote in the petition.
The letter also underscores that, as a well-known public figure, Nneji could have been easily contacted for questioning or clarification, yet the police chose to publicly brand her as a wanted criminal without any prior notice or due legal process.
The Nigerian Police Force, particularly the NPF-NCCC, has a responsibility to ensure that the public is protected from cybercrimes and other criminal activities. However, the actions of the NPF-NCCC in this case are being called into question for bypassing the normal protocols and procedures that govern the declaration of individuals as wanted persons.
Under Nigerian law, individuals have the right to a fair hearing and to be informed of any accusations against them. The failure to grant Nneji this basic legal right has prompted her legal team to argue that the police’s actions were not only unlawful but also reckless.
The NPF, for its part, has not yet responded publicly to the petition or the legal demands made by Nneji’s lawyers. However, if the police fail to retract the declaration and issue an apology within the stipulated 48 hours, Nneji’s legal team has indicated they will proceed with legal action.
This case has brought to light concerns about the way the Nigerian Police Force handles allegations of cybercrime and defamation, particularly when it involves high-profile individuals. The widespread circulation of the “Wanted” notice without proper due process has raised questions about the fairness of the police’s approach to justice.
For Nneji, the declaration has caused significant emotional and reputational damage, with many social media users questioning her character based on the police’s announcement. Her lawyers have made it clear that they will pursue all available legal remedies to seek justice for their client, including claiming damages for the harm caused by the unwarranted public notice.
As the case progresses, Nigerians are closely watching how the Nigerian Police Force responds to the petition and whether the authorities will adhere to the legal principles of fairness and due process. This situation also serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate within the boundaries of the law, particularly when dealing with public declarations that can severely impact an individual’s reputation and wellbeing.
