The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a Fundamental Rights Enforcement suit filed by the suspended Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The anti-corruption agency disclosed this on Tuesday, on its X handle.
The ICPC said that in suit number FCT/HC/CV/3384/2024, Captain Nuhu had challenged an invitation by the ICPC over official vehicles allegedly retained in his possession during his suspension, claiming that the invitation amounted to harassment, intimidation, and a violation of his rights under Sections 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He further argued that since he was already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the ICPC’s intervention amounted to a duplication of investigative processes.
In its counter-affidavit, the ICPC maintained that eight months after his suspension, Captain Nuhu still retained three government vehicles—a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR V8 (2019), Toyota Hilux (2018), and Lexus LX 570s (2019).
The Commission stressed that it was within its statutory powers to recover government property pending the conclusion of investigations.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, in her ruling, held that the applicant’s fundamental rights were not violated, adding that courts must avoid hindering the lawful duties of anti-corruption agencies.
“The applicant has failed to prove any breach of his rights. This application is unmeritorious and is accordingly dismissed,” the judge ruled.
“The decision reaffirms the ICPC’s authority to invite and investigate suspended public officials over the use or retention of government property”, the agency said.
