A Federal Capital Territory High Court has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Joel Adoga, who is standing trial alongside former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption.
Justice M.S. Idris of the FCT High Court, Jabi, held that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) did not violate Adoga’s fundamental rights during its investigation.
Adoga had alleged that the commission denied him access to his family and legal representatives and compelled him to make statements while in custody. He sought declarations that his rights were breached, damages and orders restraining the ICPC from further investigating or prosecuting him.
In response, the ICPC denied the allegations, maintaining that Adoga was lawfully invited for questioning over alleged diversion of Kaduna State Government funds, granted administrative bail during the investigation and later remanded by a competent court.
The commission also told the court that Adoga was never denied access to his lawyers or family members and that all statements obtained from him were made voluntarily in the presence of his legal counsel.
Adoga is facing a 10-count charge alongside El-Rufai before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over alleged money laundering and financial transactions suspected to involve proceeds of unlawful activities.
Delivering judgment, Justice Idris found no evidence that the commission violated the applicant’s constitutional rights and dismissed the suit in its entirety.
The ICPC described the judgment as a reaffirmation of its commitment to due process and the rule of law in the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.
