High Court Declines Jurisdiction In Suit Seeking To Restrain ICPC From Investigation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Kurudu, Abuja, has declined jurisdiction to entertain a suit filed against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and others, seeking to restrain the Commission from carrying out its statutory investigative functions.

The Applicants, Mr. Adediran Seyi and his company, Equilibrium Management Limited, had approached the Court following an invitation extended to them by the ICPC in connection with a petition received by the Commission.

Rather than honour the invitation, the Applicants instituted an action seeking, among other reliefs, an order restraining the Commission and other Respondents from inviting or investigating them, as well as the enforcement of their alleged fundamental rights.

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The Applicants also claimed that there was a likelihood that the ICPC and other Respondents, acting at the instance of certain individuals, might infringe on their fundamental human rights as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

In its counter-affidavit filed by its counsel, Mr. Leslie Iheduru, the ICPC described the suit as speculative, vexatious, and lacking in merit. The Commission argued that the Applicants failed to provide any credible evidence of actual or threatened infringement of their fundamental rights.

The Commission further contended that the action was an attempt to misuse the judicial process to evade lawful investigation, stressing that an invitation by a law enforcement agency does not constitute a violation of fundamental rights.

ICPC

It relied on established judicial authorities, including the decision of the Court of Appeal in Onnis & Ors v. Alakija & Ors (2018) LPELR-50607 (CA), which affirmed that a mere invitation by a law enforcement agency does not amount to persecution.

ICPC also urged the Court to resist any attempt to use the courts as a shield against legitimate investigation, noting that granting such reliefs would improperly confer immunity on individuals and undermine the constitutional mandate of law enforcement agencies.

After the adoption of processes by parties on 23rd October 2025, the Honourable Court, presided over by Justice Katsina Alu, in a judgment delivered on 28th April 2026, declined jurisdiction to hear the suit.

The Court held that the Applicants failed to comply with the procedural requirements stipulated under Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Order II Rule 1 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, having improperly filed a joint application for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

The Court’s decision effectively upholds the position that due process must be strictly followed in actions seeking the enforcement of fundamental rights and reinforces the principle that law enforcement agencies should not be hindered in the discharge of their lawful duties.

The ICPC reiterates its commitment to carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law and urges members of the public to cooperate with lawful investigations.

J. Okor Odey
Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC

Nigerian Navy Storms Dayspring Island, Routs Militants, Demolishes Hideout In Cross River

The Nigerian Navy has escalated its offensive against criminal elements in the maritime domain, delivering decisive blows to militant networks operating along the Calabar–Oron channel in Cross River State.

In a series of aggressive clearance operations, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY and Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA stormed Dayspring Island following the recent surge in kidnappings and related criminal activities.

The operation was anchored on the establishment of a forward security outpost at Idung 1 (Peacock Crossing), providing a tactical foothold for sustained dominance of the creeks and adjoining waterways.

The rapid offensive forced suspected militants to abandon their positions and flee upon contact with advancing naval troops. Maintaining relentless pressure, Nigerian Navy personnel, in conjunction with troops of the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade, secured key waterways and denied the criminals freedom of movement.

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Exploitation of the area led to the discovery and destruction of a militant hideout linked to a notorious suspect known as “Juju” in the Idung axis. The suspect fled in disarray, abandoning two boats fitted with outboard engines, which were immediately seized. The hideout was subsequently demolished to eliminate its future use as a criminal sanctuary.

Further tightening the noose, troops tracked and apprehended one suspected informant providing support to the militant network. The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

Nigerian Navy

To consolidate operational gains and choke criminal activity, a 13-hour restriction on maritime movement from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am has been enforced within the operational area.

Prior to the intervention, militant elements operated with impunity, conducting kidnappings and extorting riverine communities. The sustained naval onslaught has now degraded their operational capability, disrupted their logistics, and confined their activities deep within the creeks.

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute and will sustain this aggressive posture, ensuring that all criminal elements are flushed out and the maritime environment remains secure for lawful activities.

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.

The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the state’s overall development.

She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.

“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.

“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”

Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.

She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.

She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.

Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the government’s commitment to worker’s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.

She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that worker’s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the government’s favourable policies.

He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.

Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.

He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.

“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.

James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ interest.

He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.

He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom Governor

In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.

They also acknowledged his administration’s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.