By Timeswatch
Lagos – Nigeria:
The case involving human rights activist , Comrade Segun Oluwasanmi came up yesterday, Wednesday, September 23, 2026, before Justice Alagoa at the Federal High Court, Court 3, Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to a report signed by CDHR Media, Lagos branch, the proceedings centred on a preliminary objection (PO) filed by the defence challenging the propriety of proceeding with the arraignment before the objection is heard and determined.
Counsel to the defence argued that the preliminary objection ought to be heard before arraignment, while the prosecution opposed the position and maintained that the arraignment should proceed.
Following the arguments, Justice Alagoa directed both parties to file their respective written arguments and counter-arguments on the specific legal question of whether the preliminary objection should be heard before arraignment or after arraignment.
The court is expected to consider the submissions and subsequently deliver a ruling which will determine the next step in the proceedings.
Defence Raises Questions Over Filing and Service of the Charge
The defence’s position, as contained in the preliminary objection, also raises concerns regarding the chronology of the proceedings and the filing of the Federal High Court case.
According to the defence, the same matter had already been before a Magistrates’ Court, where Comrade Segun Oluwasanmi and others were taken on several dates, including January 16, February 26, May 13, June 30 and July 23, 2026.
The defence further contends that the Federal High Court case was filed on March 9, 2026, while proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court were still ongoing. It also states that the Federal High Court matter came up on July 2, 2026, despite the continuing proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court.
Another issue raised by the defence concerns service of the court process. The defence contends that although the Federal High Court case was filed in March, the defendants were not served until June 30, 2026, approximately four months after the filing.
According to the defence’s account, the processes were eventually served inside the court on June 30 following an incident in which the defendants allegedly resisted an attempt to take them away.
These issues form part of the grounds contained in the preliminary objection presently awaiting determination.
Court’s Ruling to Determine Next Step
With both parties now directed to address the court specifically on the legal question surrounding the timing of the preliminary objection, the next significant development will be the ruling of Justice Alagoa.
The ruling will determine whether the preliminary objection will be heard before the arraignment or whether the defendants will first be arraigned before the objection is considered. The case has been adjourned till 5 November 2026.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Lagos Branch, continues to monitor the proceedings in keeping with its commitment to the defence of human rights, the rule of law and access to justice.
