In a significant legal development, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim order restraining the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from arresting or detaining Professor Abayomi Fasina, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), over allegations of sexual harassment.
The court’s decision came in response to a suit filed by Professor Fasina after he was invited by the ICPC concerning an allegation made by Folashade Adebayo, a married Deputy Director at the university’s Directorate of Works and Services. Adebayo had accused Fasina of pressuring and harassing her sexually, prompting the anti-corruption agency to initiate an investigation.
Following a legal challenge filed by the embattled Vice Chancellor, Justice Aluko ruled in favour of maintaining the status quo, pending the hearing and determination of Fasina’s Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.
The presiding judge declared, “The court has considered the application and finds it deserving of the reliefs sought.” He further directed that the ICPC, including all its agents and representatives, “refrain from taking any further actions related to this matter until the hearing and judgment on Professor Fasina’s application.”
Professor Fasina is being represented by prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. Adegboruwa informed the court that the motion was supported by a sworn affidavit from Dr. Adedayo Sobowale, a staff member of FUOYE, along with other documentary exhibits.
Justice Aluko subsequently ordered that no further steps be taken by the ICPC regarding the subject matter of the case until the applicant’s motion is fully heard and resolved. Additionally, the court instructed Professor Fasina to enter into a formal undertaking in connection with the suit.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/L/CS/768/2025, has been adjourned to April 25, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive Motion on Notice.
