The member representing Jos North-North Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Adamu Aliyu, has approached the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, asking it to vacate its earlier order authorizing his arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged contract fraud against him.
Aliyu told the court that the petitioner misled the ICPC, and in turn, the ICPC misinformed the court on material facts.
A Federal High Court, Abuja, in its ruling of September 12, 2025, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1867/2025, had declared Aliyu wanted and ordered his arrest at the instance of the ICPC.
However, in a motion on notice dated September 18, 2025, filed through his counsel, M.B. Abdullahi and M.M. Auwal of Munir Barau Abdullahi & Co, Hon. Aliyu urged the court to set aside the said order on the grounds of non-disclosure of material facts in the matter before the ICPC.
According to an attached exhibit ‘F’ forming part of a nine-paragraph affidavit to the motion, Hon. Aliyu explained that on September 8, 2025, through his lawyer, he had written to the Commission before the ex-parte motion was filed.
He clarified that his role was only to receive money in Jos on behalf of the job owner, one Lawal Abubakar, from the petitioner.
According to him, this was done on Abubakar’s instructions, and after a breach of contract agreement between Abubakar and the University of Jos, he (Aliyu) was further instructed to refund the petitioner the funds, which he did in June 2024.
Aliyu argued that the order was obtained without disclosure of this fact, noting that the ICPC failed to inform the court that he had already refunded the said ₦45 million paid on behalf of Lawal Abubakar.
He also told the court that Mr. Lawal Abubakar and the University of Jos are already in court in Suit No: PLD/J11/2024, pending before the Plateau State High Court.
Furthermore, Hon. Aliyu maintained that he was never served with any invitation, summons, or charge prior to September 12, 2025, when the Commission sought the ex-parte order.
He described the order as “oppressive, overreaching and unnecessary,” stressing that on September 15, 2025, he voluntarily presented himself at the ICPC office immediately after learning of the publication on social media and in Premium Times.
Aliyu emphasized that he is a responsible citizen and a sitting legislator diligently carrying out his duties, with no risk of absconding. He also expressed concern that the public notice circulated on social media could expose him to harm from overzealous individuals attempting to enforce the order.
His counsel cited Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and submitted that, in the interest of justice and fair hearing, the court should vacate the ex-parte order.
