Court Declines Jurisdiction in Suit Seeking to Stop ICPC Probe

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kurudu, Abuja, has declined jurisdiction in a suit filed by a suspect seeking to halt an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The case was instituted by Mr. Adediran Seyi and his firm, Equilibrium Management Limited, after the anti-graft agency invited them over a petition under investigation.

Instead of honouring the invitation, the applicants approached the court, asking it to restrain the ICPC and other respondents from inviting or probing them, while also seeking enforcement of their fundamental rights.

They argued that there was a likelihood their rights could be violated by the commission acting on behalf of certain individuals.

However, in its response, the ICPC described the suit as speculative and an abuse of court process, insisting that the applicants failed to show any real or imminent threat to their rights.

“The applicants failed to provide any credible evidence of actual or threatened infringement of their fundamental rights,” the commission stated.

It further argued that an invitation by a law enforcement agency does not amount to a breach of rights, citing established judicial authorities to support its position.

The commission also urged the court not to allow the judicial process to be used as a shield against lawful investigation.

“Granting such reliefs would improperly confer immunity on individuals and undermine the constitutional mandate of law enforcement agencies,” the ICPC added.

Delivering judgment, Justice Katsina Alu held that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter due to procedural defects in the application.

The judge ruled that the applicants failed to comply with the requirements under Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, particularly by filing a joint application improperly.

The decision, delivered on April 28, 2026, effectively cleared the way for the ICPC to proceed with its investigation.

Legal observers say the ruling reinforces the principle that due process must be strictly followed in fundamental rights cases and that law enforcement agencies should not be obstructed in carrying out their statutory duties.

Reacting, the ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to lawful operations and called on the public to cooperate with its investigations.

The commission maintained that it would continue to discharge its mandate in line with the law while ensuring respect for the rights of all parties involved.