Court Backs Probe Of Baptist Cleric Over Alleged Fraud

The Federal High Court in Abuja, upheld the constitutional powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of crime, as it dismissed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. (Dr.) Israel Akanji.

Rev. Akanji had approached the court alleging harassment and violation of his rights following a petition accusing him of forging the constitution of the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abujamisappropriating church funds.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/152/2025, Akanji listed the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, senior police officers—CP Ajani Musibau Omolabi and DCP Rita Oki Oyintare—as well as the petitioner, Engineer Adekunle Mokuolu, among others, as respondents.

His counsel, Ovrawah Ogaga, SAN, sought a declaration that Akanji’s arrest and detention on June 5, 2024, by the police based on Mokuolu’s petition, were unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.

He also sought an injunction restraining the police from further arresting or harassing him, as well as N1 billion in damages for alleged rights violations.

However, in his judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that the police acted within the scope of their duties and that Rev. Akanji failed to establish that his rights were violated.

The judge held that the request by the police, that the applicant make himself available subsequently, does not violate his liberty as it is part of the investigation process.

He added that individuals who report suspected crimes cannot be penalized for performing their civic duty, referencing the popular adage: “If you see something, say something.”

Justice Egwuatu also noted that the matter has already led to the filing of criminal charges currently pending before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Kwali, in case number CR/1045/24.

The judge who advised that any civil claims for damages or allegations of malice should be pursued only after the conclusion of the criminal trial if Akanji is acquitted dismissing the preliminary objection raised by the police challenging the suit’s competence on procedural grounds.

On the issue of jurisdiction, the court dismissed the preliminary objection raised by the police challenging the suit’s competence on procedural grounds adding that fundamental rights suits can be validly instituted through any mode acceptable to the court.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji