The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a major judicial victory as the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dismissed a suit seeking to restrain the Commission from investigating alleged financial impropriety in Kano State’s scholarship funds.
According to a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, and spokesperson for the Commission, the case arose from a petition alleging mismanagement of scholarship funds in the state.
ICPC had invited officials from the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education and the Kano State Scholarship Board to provide documents and clarifications, but the officials, led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hadi Bala, approached the court, claiming their rights were being violated.
Delivering judgment, Justice Josephine Obanor ruled that ICPC’s invitation letters did not breach fundamental rights and reaffirmed that the Commission cannot be restrained from performing its lawful duties. The court subsequently struck out the Attorney-General of the Federation from the case, declared the joinder unnecessary, and dismissed the suit for lack of merit.
The ruling, ICPC said, reinforces its authority to investigate cases of alleged corruption and financial misconduct in line with its statutory mandate. The Commission further assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in public service.
