A Bauchi State High Court has dismissed an application seeking to bar the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from investigating alleged financial infractions in the Office of the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG) over security vote expenditures.
In suit No. BA/834M/2024, nine applicants under the name “Concerned Indigenes of Bauchi State” asked the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) from investigating the office. They claimed the anti-graft agencies had failed to act on several complaints and prayed that the Nigeria Police should instead take over the matter.
Their counsel, M. J. Jaldi, argued that some of the SSG’s actions, including alleged cash payments running into huge sums, violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and required police investigation.
However, ICPC, supported by EFCC, opposed the application, stating that the applicants were attempting to use the court to shield the SSG from accountability. The agencies further noted that the applicants had not presented any formal complaints to them.
Delivering judgment, Justice F. U. Sarki held that ICPC, EFCC, and NFIU have statutory powers to investigate and prosecute corruption, while the police also retain broad investigative powers.
“It is not within the powers of this court to restrain the 1st to 3rd Respondents from carrying out their statutory functions. The application is therefore refused,” Justice Sarki ruled.
The decision reinforces the powers of anti-corruption agencies to investigate financial misconduct in public offices.
