Court Refuses To Halt ICPC ₦350m Probe
A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused a request by businessman Paul Afagase to stop the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission from investigating him over an alleged ₦350 million contract deal.
The ruling was delivered by Justice J K Omotosho, according to a statement issued on Monday by ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey.
Afagase had asked the court to issue a permanent order preventing the anti-corruption agency from inviting or questioning him over the transaction.
He maintained that the dispute involved a contract between him, Richard Okozi and Rokozi Investment Limited, insisting the matter was purely civil and should not attract criminal investigation.
The businessman claimed the ICPC’s invitation amounted to intimidation and a threat to his rights, while also demanding ₦500 million in damages from the agency.
However, the court dismissed his application and ruled that the ICPC has the legal authority to investigate corruption claims, especially where government institutions may be involved.
The judge said no evidence was provided to prove that earlier investigations by other agencies cleared Afagase, adding that the proper step for him is to honour the commission’s invitation as the probe continues.
