LA Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted an interim order restraining the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from arresting or detaining the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE) Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, who issued the ruling, also barred the ICPC, its agents, or representatives from interfering with Fasina’s liberty and fundamental rights or taking any further steps regarding its invitation to the VC.
The order will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice seeking an interlocutory injunction.
The interim order followed an ex parte motion brought before the court by Prof. Fasina in suit number FHC/L/CS/768/2025. His legal team, led by senior advocate Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and O. Adesioye, argued that the ICPC’s action posed a threat to the VC’s personal liberty and fundamental rights.
Read also: FUOYE council declares VC innocent of sexual harassment allegation
The application was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Dr. Adedayo Sobowale, a staff member of FUOYE, accompanied by several documentary exhibits.
After listening to the arguments, Justice Aluko ruled in favour of the reliefs sought and stated:
“An interim order is hereby granted directing the respondent whether by itself, its agents, or servants to maintain the status quo ante bellum with respect to its invitation, threat of arrest, detention, or curtailment of the applicant’s personal liberty and fundamental rights, pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice.”
The court further ordered the ICPC to refrain from taking any additional steps in connection with the matter until the motion is resolved. It also directed Fasina to file a formal undertaking in respect of the interim order granted.
The case was adjourned to April 25, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive motion.
Prof. Fasina has recently faced public scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment. Although the university senate cleared him of any wrongdoing, some staff unions have maintained their call for a thorough investigation into the matter.
