The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a legal victory after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, upheld its powers to investigate alleged financial misconduct in the management of scholarship funds in Kano State.
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The case stemmed from a petition accusing officials of financial irregularities in the administration of the funds. During its probe, the ICPC invited officers from the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education and the Kano State Scholarship Board to provide documents and clarifications.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Instead of complying, the officials, led by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Hadi Bala, approached the court through Suit No. CV/2857/2025, arguing that the commission’s invitation infringed on their fundamental rights.
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LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Delivering judgment, Justice Josephine Obanor ruled that the officials of the scholarship board should be properly joined in the suit but struck out the Attorney-General of the Federation as a party, describing his inclusion as unnecessary.
The judge further held that an invitation for investigation does not amount to a violation of fundamental rights and reaffirmed that the ICPC cannot be stopped from carrying out its statutory duty.
The suit was subsequently dismissed for lack of merit, clearing the way for the commission to continue its inquiry.
Following the ruling, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the judgment strengthens the commission’s authority to probe corruption cases and vowed that investigations into the matter would continue in line with due process and the rule of law.
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