UK doctor and his wife sue ICPC for malicious trial on corruption in Abuja high court

BRITISH-based Nigerian medical doctor Dr Reuben Obaro and his wife Ayodele Obaro have dragged the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) before a federal high court over what they termed malicious trial on corruption.

In the first such case of its kind, the medical practitioner and his wife Mrs Ayodele Obaro, filed a suit against the ICPC at the federal high court in Abuja. They had been arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on corruption and misappropriation among other offences but Justice Anthony Ebong has dismissed the case when it was heard.

In dismissing the case, the judge ruled that the ICPC case against the couple had no basis and the ICPC acted in bad faith in filing the charges against them. Their suit for malicious prosecution will be heard by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu who has fixed May 25 as the date for mention.

When the matter was called, Professor Joachim Amupitan, the counsel for the plaintiffs, informed the court that the attorney-general of the federation and three other defendants had been served with writ of summons and other processes on February 24, 2021. However, he added that the fifth defendant was yet to be served and that he will take steps to do the needful.

Before granting an adjournment Justice Ojukwu drew Professor Amupitan’s attention to the fact that the writ of summons was issued out on December 17, 2020 and will become invalid if not served by March 17, 2021 as stipulated by law. She subsequently fixed May 25 for the report of service on the fifth defendant and for the mention of the suit.