An FCT High Court sitting in Kurudu, Abuja, has thrown out a suit seeking to stop the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from carrying out an investigation, ruling that it lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
The applicants, Adediran Seyi and his firm Equilibrium Management Limited, in a statement made available to The News Chronicle, had gone to court after being invited by the ICPC over a petition.
Instead of honouring the invitation, they sought an order restraining the anti-graft agency and other respondents from inviting or probing them, citing alleged threats to their fundamental rights.
They argued that the Commission, allegedly acting on behalf of certain individuals, might violate their rights under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
But the ICPC, through its counsel Leslie Iheduru, dismissed the suit as speculative, vexatious, and a clear attempt to dodge lawful investigation.
The agency maintained that an invitation by law enforcement does not amount to a breach of rights, backing its stance with judicial precedent, including Onnis v. Alakija.
In a judgment delivered on May 28, 2026, Justice Katsina Alu held that the applicants failed to meet key procedural requirements under Section 46 of the Constitution and the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Rules, particularly faulting their joint application.
The court’s decision reinforces a hard line: courts will not be used as a shield against legitimate investigations, and due process must be strictly followed in rights enforcement cases.
The ICPC welcomed the ruling, reiterating its resolve to pursue its anti-corruption mandate and urging the public to cooperate with lawful investigations.
