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.

ADC Release Timetable For 2026 Primary Elections, Urges Aspirants To Ensure Full Compliance With Party Constitution, Electoral Act

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, outlining the guidelines and requirements for nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The timetable reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and full compliance with electoral guidelines.

As outlined in the timetable, the process is already underway, with the collection of application forms running from April 1 to May 4, 2026. The sale of nomination forms will take place from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while the submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, 2026.

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The party will conduct the screening of aspirants from May 14 to May 15, 2026, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17, 2026. Appeals will be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 20, 2026.

The party’s primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats holding simultaneously at the ward level. The Governorship primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, while the Presidential Primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026.

This will be followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee on May 26, 2026, and the Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, where final ratifications will be made.

ADC

In line with its commitment to inclusivity and broad participation, the ADC has also approved a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective positions. The presidential nomination form is pegged at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.

To encourage wider participation, the party has introduced concessional rates, offering a 50 percent discount for youthsand a 25 percent discount for women and persons with disabilities.

The ADC calls on all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines, as the ADC continues to position itself as the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)