HEDA Resource Centre

Facebook Youtube Twitter Instagram Linkedin
Report corruption:  08004332277
Search
Stella Oduah CategoriesHEDA News

CSOs Demand Full Recovery of ₦4.9bn in Stella Oduah Fraud Case, Warn Against Weak Plea Bargain

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) working on anti-corruption, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ensure the full recovery of ₦4.9 billion allegedly misappropriated in the corruption case involving former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah. The coalition raised the concern following reports from proceedings at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja indicating that the former minister may be exploring a refund arrangement as part of a possible plea bargain in the ongoing prosecution. Reacting in a joint statement, the groups warned that any settlement that allows the refund of only a portion of the funds allegedly involved would undermine justice and weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. According to the coalition, public records from investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) show that the original charges involve the alleged fraudulent diversion of approximately ₦4.9 billion in public funds during Oduah’s tenure as Aviation Minister. The organisations acknowledged that plea bargaining is recognised under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 but stressed that such legal provisions must not become a mechanism for politically exposed persons to escape full accountability. “Any settlement arising from this case must guarantee the complete recovery of the ₦4.9 billion allegedly misappropriated, not merely the ₦2.5 billion that has been referenced in some public reports,” the coalition stated. The groups also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to ensure that any ongoing negotiations strictly comply with the principles of transparency, restitution, and justice. “If a plea bargain is to be considered, it must undergo full judicial scrutiny and receive the approval of the court in accordance with the law. The process must remain transparent and accountable to the Nigerian public,” the statement added. The coalition further emphasised that any plea bargain arrangement must include a clear admission of wrongdoing and appropriate legal consequences as provided by law, noting that silent settlements without sanctions would significantly undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. According to the organisations, Nigeria’s justice system must demonstrate that politically exposed persons are not treated differently from ordinary citizens in the administration of justice. “Allowing powerful individuals to refund only a fraction of allegedly stolen public funds without meaningful consequences will erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken the fight against corruption,” the groups warned. They therefore urged the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the EFCC, and the judiciary to ensure that justice is not only done but is clearly seen to be done in the handling of the case. The coalition stressed that public office is a public trust and that individuals entrusted with managing national resources must be held fully accountable when that trust is allegedly violated. The statement was jointly endorsed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre); African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD); African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL); Amnesty International Nigeria; BudgIT Foundation; Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT); Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). Others include Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) / Transparency International Nigeria; Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); Global Rights; Media Rights Agenda; Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN); Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED); Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Say No Campaign; Social Action; Tax Justice and Governance Platform; Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity; Zero Corruption Coalition; and Alliance on Surviving COVID‑19 and Beyond (ASCAB). The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring the case closely and ensuring that the Nigerian people receive full justice and accountability in matters involving the management of public resources.

By 0
CategoriesAccountability HEDA News

HEDA Petitions CBN, Request Disclosure of Legal Fees Paid to Lawyers in P&ID Case

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has formally written to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, demanding full disclosure of legal fees paid to lawyers and law firms that represented Nigeria in the controversial Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) case. In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to the CBN Governor, the anti-corruption organization invoked the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, requesting details of the names of lawyers and law firms engaged, as well as the exact amounts paid to them during the litigation process. HEDA, in its petition, emphasized that the request aligns with its mandate to promote public accountability, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria. The organization noted that while the case between Nigeria and P&ID heard at the Commercial Court of the High Court of England (Claim No: CL-2019-000752) was ongoing, the CBN facilitated payments to legal representatives on behalf of the Nigerian government. According to Suraju, “The public has a right to know how much was expended from national resources on legal representation in the P&ID case. Transparency in this regard is crucial for accountability, as it will help Nigerians understand the financial implications of international trade disputes involving the country.” HEDA further stated that the request also forms part of a research initiative the organization is conducting on the cost of trade disputes between states and private enterprises, adding that the P&ID case remains a vital reference point for such a study. The civil society organization urged the CBN to provide the requested information within seven (7) days in line with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

By 0
Muhammed Adoke CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA News

No Victory for Adoke, Says HEDA as Court Dismisses Libel Suit on Technical Grounds

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court dismissing the libel suit filed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, over allegations linked to the OPL 245 case. In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization described the ruling as “no victory for Adoke,” noting that the court did not affirm the substance of the forgery allegations contained in his petition to the police. According to synchronised media reports emerging from the stable of The Cable online platform, the court dismissed the suit on the ground that Suraju was not expressly named in Adoke’s petition requesting an investigation into alleged forgery of materials used in proceedings in Milan and London. The court held that because Suraju’s name did not appear in the petition, the legal ingredients required to establish defamation were not satisfied. Reacting to the decision, HEDA stated that it welcomes the judgment, emphasising that the court did not embarrass itself by ruling that Adoke’s fantasies of forgery were truthful, even though Adoke had tried to make that argument before the Nigerian Police – despite the email having clearly emanated, as affirmed by the London Metropolitan Police, from an email account of his crony Abubakar Aliyu. The group further stressed that the ruling was based strictly on technical considerations relating to naming and identification, not on validation of the allegations. HEDA further maintained that Adoke in his Motion of Notice denied his frivolous and concocted allegations that Mr. Suraju and HEDA forged the RAI tape and the agroupproperties email. Instead, he argued that he never identified Lanre by name in the Petition to the Police, the implication presumably being that a person who is not named cannot suffer defamation and further dissociated himself from his own handwritten adoption statement with the police to the contrary. The civil organisation also challenged Adoke to publicly clarify the identity of the individual or individuals he accused in his petition. “The judgment has raised a question for Adoke: are you brave enough to come out into the open?” the statement read, urging him to state clearly who he believes was responsible for the alleged forgery. Meanwhile, contrary to the vain labour of The Cable online platform to rewrite history on the phantom charges preferred against our Chairman being withdrawn on political expediency of the London case, the fact of the matter was that of concocted charges of cybercrime hurriedly and poorly put together by “fantastically corrupt” immediate past Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, who David Cameron must have had in mind when describing Nigeria in that ignoble terms, in collaboration with a desperate Adoke and some corrupted police officers, contrary to Adoke’s forgery allegation in his petition. “The impressive defence legal team of Mr. Suraju led my Dr. Muiz Banire SAN put forward a robust defence, including the subpoena of Adoke and Malami as witness, leading to Malami and Adoke running tail in limbs to withdraw the charges.” the statement added. Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, HEDA stated that the dismissal of the suit does not alter its long-standing position on the OPL 245 transaction or its broader anti-corruption advocacy. The organisation pledged to continue defending its integrity and to pursue all lawful avenues in the public interest.

By 0
Prof. Adepoju Adeshola CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Petitioned FRIN Boss to EFCC Over Alleged N3bn Fraud, Asset Diversion

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the anti-graft agency to immediately prosecute the former Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Adepoju Adeshola, over allegations of massive corruption, diversion of public funds, and abuse of office. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group called for urgent action, alleging that billions of naira meant for environmental protection, research, and infrastructure projects were misappropriated during the former DG’s tenure between 2015 and 2022. According to the Suraju, approximately N913 million budgeted for the National Afforestation Programme between 2018 and 2021 was allegedly diverted. He also cited an alleged N240 million frauds linked to the “Fencing of Trial Afforestation Project” in 2018. HEDA further alleged that over N2 billion in research grants from TETFUND and UNESCO, including a specific N300 million COVID-19 intervention funds, remain unaccounted for. The anti-corruption organisation also accused the former Director-General of criminal conversion of government assets, alleging that in 2023, shortly before leaving office, he oversaw the sale of serviceable government vehicles to himself and associates at heavily discounted prices. Among the vehicles listed were a Toyota Prado reportedly purchased in 2019 for N78 million but allegedly sold to him for N7 million, and a Toyota Hilux acquired in 2018 for N18 million but allegedly converted for personal use at N1 million. In addition, HEDA raised allegations of money laundering and illicit asset acquisition, claiming that proceeds from the alleged diversion of funds were used to acquire hospitality businesses and residential properties in Ogbomosho, Abuja, Ibadan, and along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The group identified Hotel Le Harve and Hotel D Kit’s in Ogbomosho, as well as properties in Maitama (Abuja), GRA (Ibadan), and the RCCG Camp axis, as assets allegedly linked to the proceeds of the alleged crimes. HEDA further alleged that funds were moved through FRIN Consultancy Services Limited Project Account domiciled in Polaris Bank, with the assistance of named consultants and staff members. Suraju further expressed concern that despite an earlier investigation and invitation reportedly extended by the EFCC in 2024, the case may have been stalled due to alleged high-level political interference. HEDA further urged the EFCC to reopen and conclude investigations without external pressure, immediately charge the former Director-General to court based on available evidence, investigate identified accomplices and financial institutions involved, and obtain interim forfeiture orders on the listed properties to prevent further disposal or laundering of assets. The group emphasised that corruption within environmental institutions undermines Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts and public trust in governance, urging the anti-graft agency to ensure that no individual is above the law.

By 0
NSITF and its Managing Director, Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye. CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA News

HEDA Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Financial Mismanagement at NSITF

In a move aimed at tackling corruption in the public service, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged financial mismanagement and corruption involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and its Managing Director

By
CategoriesClimate change HEDA News

NiMet Launches 2026 SCP as HEDA Calls for Strong Early Warning Systems to Avert Climate Risks

Following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) unveiling on Tuesday, highlighting expected rainfall patterns, temperature variations, and climate-related risks across the country, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for stronger early warning systems and improved climate information dissemination to mitigate potential impacts. The SCP, launched on February 10, 2026, in Abuja, provides forecasts intended to guide planning and decision-making in key sectors such as agriculture, disaster risk management, water resources, and public health. According to NiMet, the earliest onset of rainfall in 2026 is expected on February 23 in Bayelsa State, while central states are projected to experience the beginning of the rainy season between April 21 and May 15. Rainfall in most northern states is expected between June 18 and June 23. The agency also projected varying cessation periods for rainfall, with the rainy season expected to end as early as October in parts of the far north and extend into November and December in central and coastal regions. While most parts of the country are forecast to experience normal annual rainfall, #NiMet warned that some states may record above-normal rainfall, while others may face below-normal conditions. The forecast further warned of moderate to severe dry spells lasting up to 21 days in certain regions and predicted a severe and prolonged Little Dry Season, commonly known as the August break, in parts of the southwest, including Lagos and Ogun States. NiMet also projected warmer-than-average daytime and nighttime temperatures during parts of the year. Reacting to the development, HEDA Resource Centre’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu noted that seasonal climate forecasts remain most effective when supported by strong early warning systems, sustained public awareness, and clear preparedness frameworks. He further stressed that climate risks such as flooding, prolonged dry spells, and extreme temperatures continue to underscore the urgency of translating climate information into practical action, particularly for vulnerable communities. HEDA emphasized the need for increased investment in public communication, localized dissemination of climate information, and improved institutional coordination to ensure that forecasts are widely understood and effectively utilized. According to the organisation, expanding digital advisory platforms and strengthening stakeholder engagement are essential steps toward enhancing national climate resilience.

By
CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Petitions U.S. for Sanctions on Nigerians Linked to Security Funds Diversion

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the United States Government, calling for visa revocation, asset forfeiture, and global sanctions against several Nigerian individuals accused of involvement in the diversion of security and arms procurement funds. The petition, signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, was addressed to the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation. HEDA urged the U.S. Government to take action under Section 7031(c) of the U.S. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, as well as the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. According to Suraju, the alleged diversion of billions of dollars earmarked for Nigeria’s national security and arms procurement has directly contributed to widespread insecurity, terrorism, and human rights violations across Nigeria and the West African sub-region. HEDA referenced the “Dasuki-gate” arms procurement scandal and other military procurement fraud cases, arguing that the failure to equip Nigerian troops with funds approved for arms acquisition enabled the expansion of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Suraju noted that domestic accountability efforts have been weakened by judicial technicalities, including the quashing or suspension of corruption trials on procedural and jurisdictional grounds. The organisation identified several individuals it alleged were linked to the diversion of security funds. They include former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd.), who was implicated in an alleged ₦22.8 billion fraud involving Nigerian Air Force funds; former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, accused of benefiting from at least ₦4.6 billion traced to arms procurement funds; and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who was charged with laundering ₦6.9 billion, including funds allegedly sourced from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Others named in the petition include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (retd.), over the alleged diversion of ₦13.8 billion meant for military hardware; Major Generals Akerejola and Adereti, over allegations of arms procurement fund diversion; and the late Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, whose estate was linked to the alleged receipt of ₦2.1 billion from ONSA funds originally earmarked for arms procurement. While acknowledging that some of the cases resulted in acquittals, halted trials, or dropped charges, HEDA argued that such outcomes were largely based on procedural issues rather than substantive determinations on the allegations of corruption. In its petition, the organisation called on the U.S. Government to revoke visas of the listed individuals and their immediate family members, initiate asset forfeiture proceedings through international cooperation, and impose heightened financial scrutiny to prevent further laundering of diverted Nigerian security funds. “Allowing access to foreign visas and financial systems for individuals implicated in the diversion of security funds indirectly fuels insecurity in Nigeria. We are urging the U.S. Government to support transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights by ensuring that those who profit from insecurity do not find safe haven abroad.” Suraju said.

By
Kwankwaso CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Petitions CJN Over Kwankwaso’s Comment on Alleged Meetings with Supreme Court Justices

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting an investigation into public comments made by former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, regarding alleged visits to Supreme Court Justices during the legal dispute arising from the 2019 Kano State governorship election. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju, the civil society group expressed concern over media reports quoting Senator Kwankwaso as saying that he took then governorship candidate, and now Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to meet Supreme Court Justices in their villages and towns during the pendency of the case before the Supreme Court. HEDA noted that while political actors are entitled to pursue their cases through lawful legal processes, any suggestion of private engagement with judicial officers outside officially recognised legal channels could undermine public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. The organisation stressed that the allegation, if left unaddressed, could create negative public perception about the integrity of the administration of justice, particularly as the dispute was eventually resolved by the Supreme Court in January 2020, which affirmed the outcome of the election. Citing provisions of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Nigerian Judicial Code of Conduct, HEDA emphasised the need for judicial officers to avoid not only impropriety but also the appearance of bias, in order to preserve public trust in the administration of justice. The anti-corruption organisation also referenced public denials by two former Supreme Court Justices who served at the time, Hon. Justices Ejembi Eko and Musa Muhammad Datijo (Rtd), both of whom reportedly refuted claims of any meeting with Senator Kwankwaso or Governor Yusuf. HEDA therefore called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to institute an independent administrative inquiry into the claims and clarify, within the bounds of judicial ethics, whether any such meetings occurred outside officially recognised judicial settings. The organisation added that such clarification would help strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and reinforce the rule of law. The group stated that the petition was not intended to challenge any judgment of the Supreme Court but was motivated by public interest and the need to safeguard the integrity and independence of Nigeria’s judicial system.

By
CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Petitions U.S. for Sanctions on Nigerians Linked to Security Funds Diversion

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the United States Government, calling for visa revocation, asset forfeiture, and global sanctions against several Nigerian individuals accused of involvement in the diversion of security and arms procurement funds. The petition, signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, was addressed to the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation. HEDA urged the U.S. Government to take action under Section 7031(c) of the U.S. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, as well as the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. According to Suraju, the alleged diversion of billions of dollars earmarked for Nigeria’s national security and arms procurement has directly contributed to widespread insecurity, terrorism, and human rights violations across Nigeria and the West African sub-region. HEDA referenced the “Dasuki-gate” arms procurement scandal and other military procurement fraud cases, arguing that the failure to equip Nigerian troops with funds approved for arms acquisition enabled the expansion of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Suraju noted that domestic accountability efforts have been weakened by judicial technicalities, including the quashing or suspension of corruption trials on procedural and jurisdictional grounds. The organisation identified several individuals it alleged were linked to the diversion of security funds. They include former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd.), who was implicated in an alleged ₦22.8 billion fraud involving Nigerian Air Force funds; former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, accused of benefiting from at least ₦4.6 billion traced to arms procurement funds; and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who was charged with laundering ₦6.9 billion, including funds allegedly sourced from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Others named in the petition include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (retd.), over the alleged diversion of ₦13.8 billion meant for military hardware; Major Generals Akerejola and Adereti, over allegations of arms procurement fund diversion; and the late Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, whose estate was linked to the alleged receipt of ₦2.1 billion from ONSA funds originally earmarked for arms procurement. While acknowledging that some of the cases resulted in acquittals, halted trials, or dropped charges, HEDA argued that such outcomes were largely based on procedural issues rather than substantive determinations on the allegations of corruption. In its petition, the organisation called on the U.S. Government to revoke visas of the listed individuals and their immediate family members, initiate asset forfeiture proceedings through international cooperation, and impose heightened financial scrutiny to prevent further laundering of diverted Nigerian security funds. “Allowing access to foreign visas and financial systems for individuals implicated in the diversion of security funds indirectly fuels insecurity in Nigeria. We are urging the U.S. Government to support transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights by ensuring that those who profit from insecurity do not find safe haven abroad.” Suraju said.

By
CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Commends ICPC as Ozekhome Faces forgery Charges Following Petition

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for filing criminal charges against Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, over alleged fraud, forgery, and unlawful acquisition of a property in London. The charges stem from a petition submitted by HEDA to the ICPC in October 2025, which relied on a judgment of a British property tribunal. The judgment reportedly implicated Ozekhome and others in a scheme involving forged Nigerian identity documents used to fraudulently claim ownership of a North London property. Following the petition, the ICPC opened an investigation and subsequently filed a three-count charge against Ozekhome before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In the first count, the commission alleged that in August 2021, Ozekhome directly received a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, from one Shani Tali, knowing that the transaction constituted a felony, contrary to Sections 13 and 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The second count accused the senior lawyer, while acting as a legal practitioner, of creating a false Nigerian passport bearing the name Shani Tali in August 2021 to support a fraudulent ownership claim over the property. The offence is said to contravene Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code Laws of the Federal Capital Territory. In the third count, Ozekhome was alleged to have knowingly used the same forged passport to substantiate the ownership claim, an offence contrary to Sections 366 and 364 of the Penal Code. Reacting to the development, HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the filing of charges as a significant step in the fight against corruption, noting that the case demonstrates the impact of citizen-led accountability efforts. HEDA further urged the ICPC to ensure diligent prosecution of the case and called on the judiciary to expedite proceedings in the interest of justice. The organisation said it would closely monitor the trial as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to combating corruption and redemption of Nigeria’s image from a pariah state.

By
  • Menu

Copyright © 2022 HEDA. All Rights Reserved.

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram