A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has issued a sweeping interim order restraining the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from arresting or taking any coercive action against the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, presiding over the case, ruled that the anti-corruption agency must maintain the status quo ante bellum—the legal state of affairs before the ICPC’s invitation of Professor Fasina—pending the hearing and determination of a substantive motion filed by the embattled vice chancellor.
The court order effectively bars the ICPC from arresting, detaining, or interfering with the fundamental rights of Professor Fasina until the court rules on his application for an interlocutory injunction. The motion, marked FHC/L/CS/768/2025, was filed through an Ex Parte application moved by prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who appeared alongside legal counsel O. Adesioye.
The case was supported by an affidavit sworn to by Dr. Adedayo Sobowale, a staff member of FUOYE, which included attached documentation in support of Fasina’s claim of rights violation. According to sources close to the case, the university’s legal team is pushing back against what it describes as an “unlawful overreach” by the ICPC.
In the ruling delivered after hearing arguments from the applicant’s counsel, Justice Aluko granted the interim reliefs sought and emphasized the need to protect constitutional rights pending the outcome of the main suit. “The court finds it deserving to issue an order restraining the respondent from taking further steps related to this fundamental rights case until the motion on notice is heard,” the judge stated.
This legal development adds a significant twist to the ongoing tension surrounding Professor Fasina, who has faced increased scrutiny from both anti-corruption agencies and segments of the public following several allegations. However, no formal charges have been filed as of the time of this report.
In a brief chat with The Nigeria Education News, a member of the university’s legal team said, “This is a crucial victory for due process and fundamental rights. No matter who is involved, the rule of law must prevail over trial by media or administrative intimidation.”
The matter has been adjourned until April 25, 2025, for hearing of the Motion on Notice. Legal analysts say the outcome could set a precedent for how regulatory and anti-corruption bodies interact with university administrators, especially in the face of unresolved allegations.
