The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, has faulted the Nigerian Navy for issuing a signal declaring retired Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo a “deserter”.
It described the designation as unlawful and in contempt of a subsisting court judgment.
The navy, on September 3, circulated a signal at declaring “Captain D.O. Labinjo” (Service No. NN0408) and Lt. Cdr. S.A. Ibe-Lamberts (NN0840F) deserters, with orders for their immediate apprehension if found.
The signal, signed by GSM Aligwe, claimed that Labinjo had been absent without official leave since December 2, 2019.
NBA through its chairman, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, argued that the Navy’s action directly contravened the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered on March 24, 2025, in Suit No. NICN/LA/67/2023: Dada Olaniyi Labinjo v. Nigerian Navy & 3 Ors.
In the ruling, Justice I.G. Nweneka held that Labinjo was not absent without official leave and declared him retired as a Vice Admiral with effect from April 11, 2017, having attained the statutory retirement age of 60 and completed 35 years of service.
The court further dismissed the Navy’s attempt to retain him beyond this date.
“The Navy is fully aware of this judgment, yet it issued a signal declaring him a deserter years after his retirement had been judicially affirmed,” the NBA said.
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Describing the signal as a “grave overreach,” the Lagos Bar insisted that law enforcement agencies must respect the sanctity of judicial decisions.
“If dissatisfied with the decision of the court, appropriate lawful channels exist for redress.
“The authority of the court cannot be undermined by unlawful signals or arbitrary actions from the Nigerian Navy,” the statement read.
The association reaffirmed its solidarity with Vice Admiral Labinjo (Rtd.) and vowed to take all necessary legal steps to safeguard his rights.
“The rule of law remains the cornerstone of our democracy, and the NBA Lagos Branch will, without compromise, defend and promote it,” NBA stressed.
