Justice Maudashiru Oniganyi of the FCT High Court, on Tuesday in Abuja warned the police not to expose the judiciary to ridicule.
Oniyangi gave the warning following complaints by counsel to one Habibu Musa, Mr Issac Abah, that the police failed to file a memorandum of appearance in a case involving his clients.
He said that this was in spite of the fact that they were served with an originating summons since June.
Musa had filed a suit on June 13, 2004 against the FCT Commissioner of Police for allegedly violating his fundamental human rights and for illegal detention.
Abah also said that the counsel to the police, Mr Adama Musa, only served him with a counter affidavit on Monday, July 30.
“My Lord, the defence cannot be heard because he is not properly before the court.
The judge expressed displeasure at the police for refusing to obey court orders and service of court processes.
He said, “The general attitude of the police towards court orders and service is disheartening.
“Our bailiffs and court clerks run away from going to serve the police with court processes and orders, because when they go the police will pounce on them.
“In some instances, they are beaten up and chased away. How can a law enforcement officer refuse service of court papers and orders.
“The police are supposed to help the court in ensuring the populace obey the laws, and they are the same people breaking it. This attitude is barbaric and uncivilised.
“May be until somebody is put behind bars for disobeying court orders, then, the situation will improve.''?
The judge ordered the counsel representing the police, to educate the men and officers of the police about disobeying court orders and refusing service.
Responding, Musa apologised to the court, and said?that those of them, who are lawyers in the police had tried to correct the attitude of some of their colleagues towards court orders and service of processes.
Musa also?apologised to court for not filing his memorandum of appearance to defend the case, adding that it was not a deliberate act.
Oniyangi, after hearing Musa’s apology, adjourned the case to Oct. 29,?for hearing.
He ordered Musa to unfailingly file all processes and duly serve Abah’s counsel. (NAN)