Court Affirms ICPC’s Authority in Investigating Kano Scholarship Fund Mismanagement

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has upheld the investigative powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a case involving alleged financial misconduct in the administration of scholarship funds in Kano State.

The case stemmed from a petition received by the ICPC alleging financial impropriety within the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education and the Kano State Scholarship Board. In the course of its investigation, the ICPC invited officials from these bodies to provide documents and clarifications. However, Dr. Hadi Bala, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, and other officials filed a lawsuit against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the ICPC, contending that the invitations violated their fundamental rights.

Justice Josephine Obanor, presiding over the matter, ruled that the officials of the Kano State Scholarship Board should be properly joined as parties in the suit, while the Attorney-General of the Federation was struck out as a party due to unnecessary joinder. The judge further held that an invitation letter from the ICPC for investigative purposes does not constitute a breach of fundamental rights. The applicants failed to demonstrate any violation of their rights, leading to the dismissal of the suit for lack of merit.

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