In a dramatic legal development that underscores the principle that no one is above the law, an Akure Magistrates’ Court has issued an arrest warrant for a sitting state commissioner. The case, which pits the executive branch against the judiciary, centers on allegations of assault against a judicial officer and raises profound questions about the separation of powers and respect for the rule of law.
On December 31, 2025, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ordered the arrest and remand of the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye. The commissioner faces a charge of assault for allegedly verbally abusing and physically assaulting Chief Magistrate Mrs. Temitope Alphonso. The incident is reported to have occurred at the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs in Alagbaka, Akure, while Chief Magistrate Alphonso was there on official business.
Context and Gravity of the Allegations
Assaulting a magistrate is not merely a common crime; it is an affront to the judiciary itself—a separate and co-equal arm of government. The affidavit filed in the case suggests a direct link between the alleged assault and a previous judgment delivered by Chief Magistrate Alphonso that was “not favourable to the commissioner.” This implies the assault may have been an act of retaliation, a scenario that, if proven, constitutes a severe obstruction of justice and an attempt to intimidate a judicial officer. Such actions strike at the very heart of judicial independence, a cornerstone of any democracy.
The Failed Defense and the Court’s Scrutiny
The commissioner’s defense, presented by her counsel Mr. A.K. Adewusi, hinged on a claim of hospitalization. The court granted a stand-down of one and a half hours to allow the defense to present evidence. However, the medical report submitted was vigorously challenged by the prosecuting counsel, Inspector Suleiman Adebayo.
In a decisive ruling, Magistrate Sekoni rejected the document, labeling it “unsatisfactory.” He noted critical omissions: the report failed to confirm the commissioner was actually admitted or medically unfit to attend court, and it lacked fundamental details like the date and time of admission. This scrutiny highlights a common judicial practice—courts meticulously examine last-minute medical excuses to prevent their use as tools for evading legal proceedings.
The Order for Arrest: Legal Rationale and Implications
Magistrate Sekoni’s order for arrest and remand was rooted in what he described as a “disregard for the court.” By presenting an inadequate medical report after being granted time to do so, the commissioner was seen as failing to show due respect for the court’s authority and process. The remand order to a correctional facility is a standard procedure to ensure the defendant’s presence at the next hearing, scheduled for January 12, especially in cases where the court believes there is a risk of non-appearance.
This case presents a significant constitutional moment. It tests whether the legal system can hold a high-ranking executive official accountable. The spectacle of a commissioner being ordered to a correctional facility is rare and sends a powerful message about the equality of all citizens before the law. It also places the state government in a delicate position, balancing political loyalty with the imperative to respect a lawful court order.
Broader Ramifications for Governance and Justice
Beyond the immediate legal facts, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that can exist between government branches. The judiciary’s ability to summon and sanction members of the executive is a vital check on power. The public’s trust in the justice system depends on its perceived impartiality and strength in the face of pressure from powerful figures.
As the case adjourns, all eyes will be on the Nigeria Police Force to execute the arrest warrant and on the subsequent hearings. The outcome will be closely watched as a barometer for the health of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the resilience of its rule of law.
Source: NAN News. Edited by Tayo Ikujuni.
