ICPC secures court victory, clears path to investigate Kano scholarship funds

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recorded a significant win in its fight against corruption, as the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dismissed an attempt to block the Commission from performing its investigative duties.

The case, presided over by Justice Josephine Obanor, stemmed from a petition alleging financial irregularities in the management of scholarship funds in Kano State.

Petitioners had sought to restrain the ICPC from probing the matter, but the court ruled that the Commission must be allowed to carry out its statutory mandate without obstruction.

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In the course of the investigation, ICPC invited officials from the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education and the Kano State Scholarship Board to provide documents and clarifications.

However, rather than comply, the Applicants, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Hadi Bala, filed Suit No. CV/2857/2025 against the Attorney-General of the Federation and ICPC, alleging that such invitations violated their fundamental rights.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Commission’s Spokesman, Demola Bakare.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Obanor ruled that the officials of the Kano State Scholarship Board be properly joined as parties in the suit and that the Attorney-General of the Federation be struck out as a party, as his joinder was unnecessary.

The judge held that an invitation letter from ICPC, for an investigation purpose, does not constitute a breach of fundamental rights.

The Court held that the Applicants failed to show any violation of their rights and reaffirmed that ICPC cannot be restrained from performing its lawful duty of investigation.

Consequently, the suit was dismissed for lack of merit.

This ruling reinforces the Commission’s authority to investigate cases of alleged corruption and financial misconduct in line with its statutory mandate.

The ICPC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice in Nigeria’s public sector, assuring Nigerians that due process and the rule of law will continue to guide its operations.