The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Nigerian Navy’s classification of retired Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo as a “deserter,” describing the action as false, baseless, and in contempt of a subsisting court judgment.
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The Nigerian Navy had on September 3, 2025, issued a signal declaring Labinjo, formerly Navy Captain with Service No. NN0408, a deserter alongside Lt Cdr Sa Ibe-Lamberts (Nn 0840f), and instructed that they be apprehended if found.
In a statement, NBA Lagos Chairman Uchenna Akingbade called on the Navy to immediately retract the signal, noting that it violated the judgment of the National Industrial Court delivered by Justice I. Nweneka on March 24, 2025. The court had declared that Labinjo, having exceeded the statutory age of 60 years and 35 years of service by April 12, 2017, had ceased to be a serving officer and was rightfully retired as a Vice Admiral.
“The Nigerian Navy is fully aware of the judgment… Nevertheless, by a signal issued on September 3, 2025, the Navy purported to classify him as a deserter with effect from December 2, 2019. This step is unlawful and particularly troubling, as it was taken months after the National Industrial Court conclusively resolved this issue,” the NBA statement read.
The lawyers’ body described the Navy’s action as a “grave overreach” and urged all law enforcement agencies to respect court judgments, stressing that lawful channels exist for contesting court decisions.
In response, NBA Lagos announced a Peaceful Protest March to the Western Naval Command in Apapa to formally present a protest letter and demand immediate redress. The protest, scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., will converge at Marine Bridge Ijora, with Island members encouraged to meet at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus by 8:00 a.m. for transportation.
The NBA Lagos branch stated the protest is a stand for justice, accountability, the supremacy of courts, and the rule of law, emphasizing that the action of the Navy undermines fundamental rights and threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
“Together, let us demonstrate that the Rule of Law remains the cornerstone of our democracy and must be respected by all institutions,” Akingbade said.
The branch also issued a Notice of Protest, calling on all members and well-meaning lawyers to participate fully in the march in defense of Vice Admiral Labinjo and the broader principle of judicial compliance.
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