Contempt Proceedings Filed Against Health Minister, Hospital MD Over Alleged Disobedience of Court Order

An Abuja-based lawyer, Michael Okorie, has initiated contempt of court proceedings against Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare and the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Unaogu Ngozichukwu Nneka, over the alleged failure to comply with a subsisting court judgment.

Okorie, who represents Prof. Monday Igwe, disclosed this to journalists in Enugu on Friday, stating that the action follows what he described as continued disregard for an order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division.

According to him, the court, in a judgment delivered on 11 December 2025 by Justice E.D. Subilim, nullified the appointment of Dr Unaogu as Medical Director of the hospital and ordered the reinstatement of Prof. Igwe. The court also held that the earlier termination of Igwe’s appointment was unlawful, having not followed due disciplinary procedures.

The judgment further ruled that Dr Unaogu’s appointment, made while the matter was still pending before the court and in which she was a party, was invalid.

Despite this, Okorie alleged that the defendants have yet to comply with the ruling several months after it was served on them.

He claimed that Dr Unaogu has continued to function in the capacity of Medical Director, carrying out official duties including contract approvals, financial transactions, and staff-related decisions.

He cautioned that third parties engaging in official dealings with the hospital under the current leadership risk legal exposure, noting that the court judgment has not been stayed.

As part of the legal process, Okorie confirmed that a Form 48 Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order has been filed and served on both the minister and Dr Unaogu.

He added that the Minister of State, as the supervising authority responsible for conveying appointments on behalf of the President, bears a level of responsibility in ensuring compliance with the court’s directive.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Dr Unaogu have yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

Contempt proceedings are a legal mechanism used to enforce compliance with court orders and may carry significant penalties if proven.