By Nkechi Eze
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Mr. Paul Afagase Johnson, who had sought to prevent the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from investigating him over an alleged N350 million contract-related matter.
In an official statement, the ICPC spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, disclosed that Mr. Johnson had filed the suit seeking a perpetual injunction to stop the Commission from probing what he described as a purely civil dispute involving himself, Chief Richard Okozi, and Rokozi Investment Limited. He also claimed that the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously invited and cleared him of any wrongdoing. The plaintiff further argued that ICPC’s invitation amounted to intimidation, threats of arrest, and violations of his fundamental rights, and sought N500 million in damages.
However, in his ruling, Justice J.K. Omotosho emphasized that the ICPC could not be restrained from carrying out investigations within the scope of its statutory powers. The court noted that the Commission is empowered to probe petitions alleging corruption, particularly where public institutions and officials may be implicated.
“The contractual arrangement in dispute allegedly involved government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), bringing the matter within the ICPC’s investigative jurisdiction,” Justice Omotosho stated. He further stressed that courts are generally reluctant to act as a shield for individuals seeking to evade lawful investigations.
Addressing the plaintiff’s claim that prior invitations by the Police and EFCC had cleared him, the court noted that no evidence was provided to substantiate this assertion, pointing out that the record only confirmed invitations, not concluded investigations in his favour.
The court advised Mr. Johnson to cooperate with the ICPC and honour its invitation to allow the investigation to proceed.
The matter originates from a petition alleging that N350 million was paid to secure a contract for certain public institutions. When the contract failed to materialize, the contractor reportedly lodged a complaint with the Department of State Services (DSS), which referred the case to the ICPC for further investigation.
