Ibrahim Mohammed, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has warned against disobedience to lawful orders of courts in the country.
Mr Mohammed who gave the warning on Friday at the launching of the 9th House of Representatives Legislative Agenda, in Abuja said flouting of court orders will attract grave consequences.
The top jurist, represented by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, also said vowed that justice must be served without fear or favour.
“I will like to assure you that as you embark on this important voyage of national rebirth and reinvigoration through effective, people-oriented legislation, the judiciary is solidly behind you,” the CJN said at the gathering.
“Since our role is strictly limited to the interpretation of the laws of the land, we will not leave any stone unturned in that respect. You can rest assured that you already have a good and dependable ally in the Nigerian judiciary.
“We will on our part, as usual, vigorously pursue the observance of the rule of law by all citizens. There is no sacred cow anywhere, as no one is above the law, no matter his or her position in the society.
“Justice must be served without fear or favour. Every law of the land must be obeyed. Let me assure everyone present here that the consequences of disobeying lawful court orders will be too grave to bear.
“We all should gird our loins to do our constitutionally assigned duties with due diligence so that Nigeria can be the pride of everyone,” he added.
The warning comes amidst criticism against the federal government that has continued to detain some Nigerians freed by the courts.
Prominent among those being held by the government despite court orders for their release are: Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser (NSA) and Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, among several other Nigerians.
