The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a victory in its fight against corruption.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a challenge against a final forfeiture order issued to the commission in a N96 million contract fraud case.
The case involved former Surveyor-General of the Federation, Ebisintei Bietoru Awudu, and two companies, Kumeni Services Limited and Geolev Nigeria Limited. The ICPC had previously obtained interim and final forfeiture orders on funds suspected to be proceeds of crime linked to unexecuted and inflated contracts.
Kumeni Services Limited attempted to overturn the forfeiture orders, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the ICPC had no legal standing to file the case. However, Justice Evelyn Maha dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the ICPC acted within its authority and followed due process.
The court found that the ICPC had provided sufficient evidence to justify the forfeiture of the funds, and the applicant’s claims were without merit. Justice Maha also criticized the applicant for wasting the court’s time with frivolous arguments.
With this ruling, the ICPC has solidified its position in recovering stolen public funds and holding corrupt officials accountable.
