A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja has upheld the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of corruption in Kano State scholarship funds.
The case was instituted by the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Hadi Bala, and others, who argued that ICPC’s invitation letters to ministry and scholarship board officials violated their fundamental rights.
Delivering judgment, Justice Josephine Obanor ruled that an invitation by ICPC in the course of investigation does not amount to a breach of fundamental rights. She further ordered that the officials of the Kano State Scholarship Board be joined as proper parties in the matter, while striking out the Attorney-General of the Federation, saying his joinder was unnecessary.
The court held that the applicants failed to establish any violation of their rights and therefore dismissed the suit for lack of merit.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, ICPC said the ruling reinforces its statutory mandate to investigate allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
The Commission assured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice in the public sector, adding that its operations will continue to be guided by due process and the rule of law.
