Court rejects Bulkachuwa’s lawsuit challenging ICPC’s right to investigate his statements

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa’s lawsuit seeking to prevent the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) from investigating comments he made during the valedictory session of the 9th National Assembly (NASS).

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in delivering the judgment, stated that the lawsuit lacked merit and should be dismissed.

Justice Ekwo emphasized that as a lawmaker, Senator Bulkachuwa should have understood the implications of the statement he made on the Senate floor.

The judge noted that the legislative immunity claimed by the plaintiff did not apply in this case. He stressed that it is the duty of every law-abiding citizen to assist and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in carrying out their statutory functions, provided that the agencies do not violate a citizen’s fundamental rights during their activities.

Senator Bulkachuwa had filed the lawsuit against several parties, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NASS clerk, the State Security Service, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police Force.

He sought the court’s declaration that he was protected by parliamentary immunity and that no other law enforcement agency could question a member of the Senate without exhausting internal disciplinary mechanisms and securing the 9th Senate’s recommendations and approval.

Justice Ekwo, however, stated that Senator Bulkachuwa’s comments on June 10 during the Senate’s plenary session were not covered by Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

He clarified that the constitution’s provision for freedom of expression did not grant individuals the right to make statements that could not be defended under the law.

The judge pointed out that Senator Bulkachuwa’s statements amounted to a confession of an illegal act, which went beyond the scope of protected speech.

The court, therefore, rejected Senator Bulkachuwa’s arguments and dismissed his lawsuit, affirming ICPC’s right to investigate the matter.