Court Upholds ICPC's Probe into ₦350m Contract Dispute

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.K. Omotosho, dismissed a suit filed by businessman Paul Afagas, who sought to prevent the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from investigating a ₦350 million contract.

Afagas argued that the matter was a civil dispute involving Richard Okozi and claimed that the ICPC's invitation to investigate constituted intimidation and a violation of his fundamental human rights. He sought ₦500 million in damages.

However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the ICPC is legally empowered to investigate allegations of corruption and that the court would not serve as a shield for individuals seeking to evade lawful investigations. The judge noted that the contract in question involved public institutions and was within the ICPC's jurisdiction.

The ruling reinforced the principle that anti-corruption agencies must carry out their statutory responsibilities without hindrance.