Court Upholds ICPC’s Authority to Prosecute Delta State Officials

The Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, has delivered a significant ruling affirming the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) authority to investigate and prosecute officials of the Delta State Government for alleged corrupt practices.

The court upheld the ICPC’s powers under Sections 6 and 28 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 to conduct investigations and invite Delta State officials for interviews.

This decision came on Wednesday after the Attorney-General of Delta State filed a suit challenging the ICPC’s authority to investigate the state government’s finances, arguing that only the Delta State House of Assembly and the Auditor General of Delta State have such powers.

However, the ICPC argued that its mandate extends to all persons, including state government officials, under the ICPC Act 2000.

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The commission emphasized that there is no conflict between its powers and those of state institutions as enshrined in the Constitution, asserting that they are complementary.

In delivering the judgement, Justice F. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba Division, concurred with the ICPC’s arguments, stating that Nigeria practices cooperative federalism, and the fight against corruption is a joint responsibility of both the federal and state governments.

He referenced previous appellate decisions, including a Supreme Court judgement, to support his ruling.

As a result, the suit was dismissed, with no costs awarded. This ruling reaffirms the ICPC’s authority to combat corruption at all levels of government, ensuring accountability and transparency in public office.