The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a major legal win after the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State, dismissed two suits seeking to block the agency from investigating alleged corruption.
The cases were filed by former Abia lawmakers, Kalu Chikwendu and Apugo Chukwudi J., who asked the court to restrain the Commission from inviting them over a petition linked to their time in office.
In the suits marked FHC/UM/CS/108/2025 and FHC/UM/CS/109/2025, the plaintiffs argued that the legal provision under which ICPC invited them for questioning conflicted with constitutional safeguards on personal liberty and fair hearing.
But in a firm ruling, the court held that ICPC acted within its statutory powers, declaring that its investigative mandate on corruption-related matters is lawful and consistent with the Constitution.
The judge further ruled that the lawsuits were an attempt to use the courts as a shield against legitimate investigation, warning that granting the requests would amount to offering judicial cover for evading due process.
All reliefs sought were refused, the suits were deemed mala fide, and the court ordered each plaintiff to pay ₦500,000 in costs, The News Chronicle gathered.
The judgment effectively clears the path for ICPC to continue its investigation.
