A father, Olufemi Olanrewaju Sowunmi, has petitioned the Chief Judge of Ogun State, alleging judicial misconduct in a child custody dispute and calling for an investigation into the actions of a Family Court judge.
In the petition dated June 22, 2026, Sowunmi accused the presiding judge, Mrs. Somefun, of abusing the judicial process by allegedly ordering his arrest and detention for 28 days and hindering the enforcement of a child custody judgment delivered by the High Court of Bayelsa State.
According to Sowunmi, he was detained after failing to appear before the Family Court because he attended proceedings in a related divorce and child custody case at the Bayelsa High Court on the same day.
He further alleged that the judge repeatedly stated she was “acting on orders from above,” a remark he claimed raised concerns about possible external influence on the judicial process.
Sowunmi explained that the custody matter initially began before a Family Court in Ogun State, where an agreement was reached allowing his two children to remain in the care of his sister in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He said the arrangement later became difficult to maintain following increased transportation costs after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He subsequently filed divorce and custody proceedings before the High Court of Bayelsa State, where he claimed his lawyer informed the Family Court that the same custody issue was already before a higher court. However, he alleged that the Family Court continued hearing the matter instead of suspending proceedings.
Sowunmi said his absence from one of the Family Court sittings resulted in his arrest and detention, adding that he was not shown any arrest warrant and was denied an opportunity to address the court or wait for his legal counsel before being remanded.
He also alleged that his sister, who had cared for the children for several years, faced intimidation and threats of arrest over allegations of child trafficking, causing emotional distress to the children.
According to Sowunmi, the High Court of Bayelsa State later dissolved his marriage and awarded him custody of the two children. However, he claimed that attempts to register and enforce the judgment in Ogun State have faced administrative delays and resistance.
The petitioner has urged the Chief Judge of Ogun State to investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention and the conduct of the Family Court proceedings. He also requested an inquiry into the alleged external influence on the court and asked for measures to ensure the enforcement of the Bayelsa High Court judgment and his safety during future court appearances.
