Corruption Allegations: Court stops Senate from investigating Nigeria police chief

An FCT High Court sitting in Jabi on Thursday granted an interim order restraining the leadership of the Senate from investigating the Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris.

Justice Abba-Bello Mohammed granted the application of an interim injunction pending the hearing of the substantive suit of breach of right to fair hearing by the Senate leadership against the IG.

The judge also granted leave to the applicant’s counsel, Alex Izinyon, to publish in two national dailies all papers concerning the originating summons, including hearing notice which would be served on the senate.

Mr. Mohammed adjourned the case until December 4 to hear the main issues in the substantive suit before the court.

The suit filed before the court with Ref. No. CV/0060/2017, has the President of the Senate, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Isah Misau as the respondents.

Others also listed as respondents are senators Francis Alimikhena, Binta Garba, Suleiman Hunkuyi, Duro Samuel, Ogba Obinna, Nelson Effiong and Abdulaziz Nyako.

The applicant is seeking that the 2nd respondent (the Senate) resolution setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegation raised by Misau is a violation of his right to fair hearing under the constitution.

He is also seeking for a declaration that the Senate’s letter of invitation to appear before the ad-hoc committee on November 2 based on a petition by Mr. Misau is a violation of his right to fair hearing as provided by the constitution.

Other reliefs sought by the applicant include an order restraining the ad-hoc committee, its agent or any other from taking further steps on the matter in the name of its earlier invitation to the applicant.

The applicant hinged his action on the grounds that members of the ad-hoc committee are colleagues of the senator who raised the petition against him.

It also said that both the print and electronic media published grievous criminal allegations made by Mr. Misau against the IG and Nigeria Police.

The counsel to the applicant, Mr. Izinyon, informed the court that an attempt made by the bailiff of the court to serve the Senate all papers of the originating application for it to show cause on the matter was rebuffed by the agents of the respondents.

He added that when the bailiff went to the office of the Clerk of the Senate to carry out the service, he was beaten and locked up by some officers in that office.

Mr. Izinyon urged the court to exercise its power of Order 15 Rule 4 of the High court to effect justice on the matter.

He also prayed the court to look at Order 11 Rule 27 and 28 which provides for punishment against anyone who threatens the bailiff of a court.

(NAN)