I have read with grave concern the so-called “Wanted Notice” issued by Alhaji Mohammed Mutiu Olawale, the Executive Chairman of Akoko North East Local Government, declaring certain individuals “wanted” for alleged drug offences.
While the fight against illicit drug trafficking remains a lawful and commendable pursuit, the action of the Local Government Chairman in declaring any citizen “wanted” is wholly unconstitutional, ultra vires, and of no legal effect whatsoever.
Let it be stated without equivocation that no Local Government Chairman, no matter how highly placed, possesses the constitutional or statutory power to declare any citizen “wanted.” Such authority resides exclusively in a competent court of law, upon due application supported by credible evidence.
By purporting to issue a “wanted notice,” the Chairman has acted ultra vires and in flagrant violation of Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees fair hearing and the presumption of innocence; and Sections 4 and 214, which vest legislative and policing powers solely in the National Assembly and the Nigeria Police Force respectively.
The courts have been unequivocal on this point. In Fawehinmi v. IGP (2002) 7 NWLR (Pt.767) 606, the Supreme Court affirmed that no authority or individual can usurp the statutory powers of the Police or the courts. Similarly, in Ojukwu v. Governor of Lagos State (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt.18) 621, the Court of Appeal held that no organ of government is permitted to take the law into its own hands, and in A.G. Anambra v. Okafor (1992) 2 NWLR (Pt.224) 396, it was emphasized that executive actions not backed by law are null and void.
This reckless and constitutionally baseless act by the Chairman is a dangerous precedent and a shocking exhibition of administrative ignorance. It ridicules due process and undermines the very essence of the rule of law.
Alhaji Mohammed Mutiu Olawale should immediately withdraw this unlawful notice and transmit any intelligence or evidence to the relevant law enforcement agencies, NDLEA or the Police, for proper investigation and prosecution. Governance is not an avenue for theatrics; it is bound by law, not ego.
Nigeria is not a jungle. The law must remain supreme over the whims of public officers.
Ife Ajibuwa Esq
Legal Practitioner & Human Rights Advocate
Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.
