The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a legal victory after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) dismissed a lawsuit challenging its authority to investigate alleged financial misconduct in Kano State.
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The case stemmed from a petition submitted to the commission, which accused officials of the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education and the Scholarship Board of mismanaging scholarship funds. Following the petition, ICPC invited key officials to provide documents and clarifications.
Rather than comply, the officials, led by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Hadi Bala, approached the court under Suit No. CV/2857/2025. They argued that ICPC’s summons violated their fundamental rights and sought to restrain the anti-graft agency, with the Attorney-General of the Federation also listed as a respondent.
In her ruling, Justice Josephine Obanor held that the ICPC acted within its constitutional mandate. She noted that inviting public officials for questioning does not amount to a violation of fundamental rights. The judge further ruled that while officials of the Kano State Scholarship Board should be joined as parties to the matter, the Attorney-General of the Federation was not a necessary party in the suit.
Consequently, the court struck out the case for lack of merit, affirming the commission’s powers to conduct investigations into corruption and financial impropriety.
Reacting to the judgment, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the ruling reinforces the commission’s statutory mandate and commitment to ensuring accountability in public service. He added that the ICPC would continue to discharge its duties in line with due process and the rule of law.
