The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit brought against the former Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, Modibbo Ishaq Kawu and Pinnacle communications limited and two others in the alleged misapplication of N2.5 billion Federal Government Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme.
Justice Folashade Ogunbajo Giwa in a judgment discharged and acquitted the defendants of the five counts of fraud brought against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences commission.
The trial court dismissed the suit on grounds that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations of fraud leveled against the defendants.
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Upholding Justice and Best Practices: Court Acquits Former NBC DG Modibbo Kawu, Pinnacle Communications
The Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted former National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Director-General, Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, and Pinnacle Communications Limited of corruption charges, reinforcing judicial integrity and due process.
The case, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involved allegations of misappropriation of ₦2.5 billion under the Federal Government’s Digital Switch Over (DSO) project. After six years of legal proceedings, the court ruled that the ICPC failed to present credible evidence linking Kawu or Pinnacle Communications to any wrongdoing.
Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo emphasized that the prosecution’s witnesses contradicted themselves and lacked supporting documents. Claims that former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, was misled into approving the payment remained unsubstantiated.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and ensuring that corruption cases are built on solid evidence. It also raises concerns about investigative lapses by anti-corruption agencies.
With their full acquittal, Kawu and Pinnacle Communications have been cleared of all charges. The case serves as a reminder that justice must be based on facts, not assumptions, reinforcing public trust in the legal system and the importance of best practices in prosecution and defense.