The Nigeria Police Force has declared Mr. Hamza Lamisi, a legislative aide to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), wanted over allegations of criminal defamation, intimidation, harassment, and related offenses.
According to the police, the decision followed Lamisi’s failure to honor an invitation for questioning. However, the move has raised public concerns, as his whereabouts, contact details, and routine public appearances are widely known.
In a press release dated February 3, 2026, Prof. Sandra Chidinma Duru, a human rights advocate and lead petitioner in the case, welcomed the reopening of investigations but criticized what she described as procedural inconsistencies and selective enforcement by the authorities.
“While the announcement appears decisive on the surface, it raises serious concerns about process, intent, and institutional integrity,” Prof. Duru said.
She argued that declaring Lamisi wanted despite his visible public presence undermines confidence in the process.
“Hamza Lamisi is not an unknown or missing person. His phone number, residence, workplace, and daily movements are well known. He is frequently seen with his principal at her residence and within the National Assembly. Declaring such an individual wanted, rather than carrying out a lawful arrest after he reportedly ignored an official police invitation, invites public skepticism and questions about sincerity,” she stated.
Prof. Duru also questioned the role of the Inspector-General of the Police Monitoring Unit, led by CP Akin Fakorede. She alleged that the handling of the matter reflects a pattern of delays and selective enforcement.
“More troubling is the role of the Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, CP Akin Fakorede. The handling of this case suggests delay tactics, selective enforcement, and procedural manipulation similar to what was observed in previous high-profile matters. Nigerians deserve to know why lawful options were not pursued and why a suspect with known whereabouts is suddenly portrayed as elusive,” she said.
She further confirmed that the federal government has approved the reopening of all her petitions following what she described as exhaustive forensic reviews of the evidence she submitted.
“Let me state this clearly: this case is no longer operating in the shadows,” she said. “The Federal Government has formally approved all my petitions. Every admissible piece of evidence was reviewed and subjected to rigorous forensic examination. Based on those findings, the cases have been reopened for proper investigation, prosecution, and closure.”
Prof. Duru added that her documentation—including classified communications, video recordings of suspect statements, and both tampered and untampered case files—remains secure and preserved.
“This matter has moved beyond media narratives and procedural theatrics,” she concluded. “It has now entered a phase of lawful accountability.”
