In a troubling development that raises serious concerns about the rule of law and institutional accountability, the Nigerian Army has refused to comply with a Supreme Court ruling ordering the reinstatement of Major Akeem Aderogba Oseni, a military officer previously convicted of manslaughter but later discharged and acquitted by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Despite the apex court’s final judgment delivered on February 12, 2025, which dismissed the Army’s appeal for failure to transmit the record of proceedings, the military authorities have failed to reinstate Major Oseni or pay his accrued entitlements43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054. This continued defiance constitutes a clear contempt of court and undermines Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
The Supreme Court’s certified ruling, delivered by Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, unequivocally stated: “Application filed on 9/10/2023 for an order dismissing this appeal for failure to compile and transmit record of appeal is hereby granted as prayed. The said appeal No. SC/CR/948/2023 is hereby dismissed.”
Major Oseni’s ordeal began with a flawed conviction by a General Court Martial in 2020, which sentenced him to ten years imprisonment. However, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction in October 2023, citing lack of evidence and procedural irregularities, and ordered his full acquittal.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have condemned the Army’s refusal to comply, calling it a dangerous precedent that threatens judicial independence and the rights of service members. Prominent lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and enforce the court’s decision.
This case is not isolated. Multiple officers across ranks have faced similar unlawful dismissals, with courts ordering their reinstatement—orders that remain unheeded.