Nigeria's Lagos High Court: No Exemption from Tinubu's Police Withdrawal Order

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a directive on November 23, 2025, ordering the withdrawal of police personnel attached to unauthorized VIPs.
• The directive is being unevenly implemented across several states, with some complying while others continue to provide police escorts to politicians and businessmen.
• Non-compliance with the presidential order may lead to liability under relevant laws, making it essential for lawyers and compliance officers to monitor the situation closely.

The withdrawal of police personnel attached to unauthorized VIPs is a significant development in Nigeria's security landscape.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a directive on November 23, 2025, during a high-level security meeting in Abuja. The order called for the withdrawal of police personnel attached to unauthorized Very Important Persons (VIPs). However, an investigation has revealed that the directive is being unevenly implemented across several states. While some states have complied with the order, others continue to provide police escorts to politicians and businessmen despite the presidential directive.

The withdrawal of police personnel attached to unauthorized VIPs is a significant development in Nigeria's security landscape. The move is aimed at reducing the risk of corruption and abuse of power associated with the provision of police escorts to individuals who do not require them. However, the uneven compliance with the directive raises concerns about the effectiveness of the presidential order. Lawyers and compliance officers are now closely watching the implementation of this directive, as non-compliance may lead to liability under relevant laws.

The uneven compliance with President Tinubu's directive has significant implications for politicians, businessmen, and other prominent individuals who continue to use unauthorized police escorts. These individuals may be exposing themselves to potential liability under relevant laws if they fail to comply with the presidential order. Furthermore, the lack of uniform implementation across states raises questions about the effectiveness of the security architecture in Nigeria. As a result, lawyers and compliance officers are advised to monitor the situation closely and advise their clients on potential exposure.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the implementation of this directive and advise their clients on potential exposure if they continue to use unauthorized police escorts, as non-compliance may lead to liability under relevant laws.

Source: Original reporting via TheNigeriaLawyer