I was under immunity when I made comment about influencing my wife’s decisions as Court of Appeal President - Bulkachuwa

Former Bauchi Senator, Adamu Bulkachuwa, has reiterated that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) lacks the powers to investigate him over comments he made during the valedictory session of the ninth national assembly. 

 While speaking at the valedictory session, Adamu Bulkachuwa had said that he encroached into his wife's independence as President of the Court of Appeal and also extended help to his colleagues.

The former federal lawmaker had filed a lawsuit to stop a probe being launched by the ICPC. He argued that he was protected by constitutional impunity as a senator when he made the comment he claimed was misinterpreted. 

Adamu also stated that he can't be arrested or detained over any conduct, action or speech he made on the floor of the senate. He averred that only the senate in session or any of its sub-committees that had the disciplinary power to invite him to answer any question or questions relating to his conduct or utterances on the floor of the upper chamber. 

The former lawmaker said in his supporting affidavit; 

“The national assembly is an independent arm of government with its own regulatory power and every senator, including the plaintiff, has the parliamentary immunity to boldly express themselves on the floor of the senate without any fear of sanctions from the executive arm of government, for and on behalf of their constituents.

“Hence, the immunity conferred on members to allow or grant lawmakers the freedom of speech they required and confidence why on the floor of the senate.

“The defendants, particularly the ICPC or any other law enforcement agency of the federal republic of Nigeria do not have the powers to invite/discipline me (as serving member of the senate at the time of my utterance in reference) questioning/interview on any matter that occurred on the floor of the house of senate without the prior approval of the senate committee saddled with the investigating the actions of a member. 

“No civil or criminal proceedings can lie against a serving member of the senate on account of the speech/utterances made on the floor of the senate unless and until the senate exhausts its disciplinary powers over such a member.”

However, appearing in court on Thursday, July 27, Oyin Koleoso, lawyer to the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) stated that Adamu Bulkachuwa no longer has any immunity from arrest and prosecution because he is no longer a senator.

Koleoso, alongside I. A. Aderounmu, who appeared for the Department of State Services (DSS) and U. M. Narimir, ICPC lawyer urged the court to dismiss Bulkachuwa's case. 

Justice Inyang Ekwo who presided over the case, adjourned the matter till October 25 for judgment.