Court Affirms ICPC’s Right to Probe Kano Scholarship Fund Mismanagement

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a crucial legal victory after a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court upheld its powers to investigate alleged corruption in the management of scholarship funds in Kano State.

The case stemmed from a petition accusing officials of financial misconduct in the administration of the funds. During its probe, the ICPC invited senior officials from the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education and the Kano State Scholarship Board to submit documents and explanations.

Instead of honouring the request, the officials—led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hadi Bala—filed Suit No. CV/2857/2025 against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the ICPC, claiming that the Commission’s invitation violated their fundamental rights.

Delivering judgment, Justice Josephine Obanor dismissed the challenge, ruling that an ICPC invitation for investigative purposes does not amount to a breach of rights. She further ordered that the Kano Scholarship Board be properly joined in the matter but struck out the Attorney-General of the Federation as an unnecessary party.

The court concluded that the applicants failed to prove any infringement of their rights and reaffirmed that the ICPC cannot be restrained from performing its statutory duties. The suit was therefore dismissed for lack of merit.

By upholding the ICPC’s mandate, the ruling strengthens the Commission’s authority to pursue cases of alleged corruption and financial misconduct across the public sector.

In its reaction, the ICPC welcomed the judgment and restated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice, assuring Nigerians that its investigations will continue to follow due process and the rule of law.