CategoriesCompendium HEDA PublicationsDownload a copy of the 9th edition of A Compendium of 100 High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria with Notable High Profile Corruption Cases in Africa
CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA NewsIn his keynote address at the unveiling of the 9th edition of 100 High-Profile corruption cases in Nigeria by HEDA Resource Centre, former Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Muhyi Magaji urged Nigerian youths to champion integrity in the fight against corruption. Speaking on the theme, “Youth as Catalysts of Integrity: Building a Corruption-Free Future for Nigeria,” Mr. Magaji said high unemployment and limited opportunities often encourage tolerance for corrupt practices. He encouraged youths to embrace honesty, fairness, and civic responsibility and use education and social media to strengthen transparency. “Integrity pays. No matter what. No matter how long,” Mr. Magaji said, calling for active youth participation in national development and anti-corruption efforts. The event drew civil society leaders, government representatives, legal practitioners, media professionals, and youth advocates. A panel of youth leaders and law students echoed this message, emphasising the critical role of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s future leadership. Moderated by Mayowa Shobo of HEDA, the panel featured Anyawu Chinwe of the Lagos State Young Lawyers Association, Adigun Olalekan of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, and law students Abdullahi Adesina and Ajiri Peter from the Lagos State University and the University of Lagos, respectively. The panel highlighted that youths, who constitute 60 to 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population, are uniquely positioned to influence governance and serve as advocates for transparency. Ms. Anyawu stressed the importance of positive role models, saying, “If they are involved in politics from now, they are going to be in front of the leaders in the future.” Similarly, Mr. Adesina emphasised ethics education as a means to guide youths toward corruption-free leadership, while Mr. Peter pointed out that corruption exists in everyday actions, including favouritism, queue-jumping, and abuse of office. The panellists also linked economic empowerment to anti-corruption efforts, noting that unemployment and financial hardship often push youths into unethical survival strategies. Ms. Anyawu advised young people to define personal boundaries and rely on moral guidance from family and religious institutions. Mr. Olalekan encouraged youth training and skills development initiatives as platforms for self-reliance.
CategoriesClimate changeIn its latest 9th edition of compendium, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has revealed the vast scale of corruption in Nigeria, documenting 100 high-profile cases involving public officials and private individuals. According to the compendium, allegedly stolen amounts are reported in multiple currencies: N1.387 trillion, $53.84 billion, and £1 million. The report, unveiled in December, commemorating the international anti-corruption day by the civil society organisation in Lagos, referenced pending court cases involving former governors, ministers, senators, and other public officials accused of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Notable high-profile cases in the compendium include one involving former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, who is accused of money laundering involving N4 billion in public fund. Former Accountant-General of the Federation Ahmed Idris is facing trial over alleged N109 billion fraud. In contrast, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello faces N110 billion in fraud charges and property forfeiture worth N80.2 billion. Former Minister of Power and Steel Olu Agunloye is also undergoing prosecution for a $6 billion scheme tied to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Plant, while former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke faces allegations of $20 billion in fraud and property forfeiture. Other notable cases include Ali Bello and Daudu Sulaiman’s N10 billion fraud case and Fatuyi Yemi Phillips’ N43.5 billion misappropriation allegations. Prominent former governors also appear in the compendium. Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a serving senator, also faces N7.6 billion money laundering allegations. Former Taraba Darius Ishaku and former Abia State State Governor Theodore Orji are linked to N27 billion and N60.85 billion fraud cases, respectively, while former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam faces allegations involving N3.1 billion money laundering. The compendium also listed cases involving corporate and agency officials. Former AMCON Managing Director Ahmed Kuru faces N33.8 billion in money laundering charges, while former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele is also facing corruption charges in different courts in Lagos and Abuja. According to the report, fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement dominate high-profile financial misconduct, often accompanied by abuse of office. It added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting 76 per cent of these cases, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) handles 16 per cent. Other agencies involved include the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Analysis shows former governors account for 16 per cent of defendants, former ministers and advisers 7 per cent, senators 1 per cent, and other public officials 76 per cent. Most cases (58 per cent) are ongoing; 11 per cent have resulted in sentencing, and 9 per cent involve property seizures. Fraud accounts for 54 per cent of charges, money laundering 20 per cent, and misappropriation or mismanagement 8 per cent. The report said corruption increases the cost of doing business, discourages investment, and undermines economic and political decisions, contributing to underdevelopment, insurgency, forced migration, and widespread poverty. HEDA researchers compiled the report by reviewing all available sources on 100 high-profile cases, the data with current information, and analysing it using IBM SPSS Version 23 to produce tables, histograms, and visualisations.
CategoriesHEDA Publications
CategoriesHEDA Publications
CategoriesHEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to launch an urgent and transparent investigation into the fraudulent procurement of Nigerian national documents exposed in a recent judgment by the United Kingdom’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The case, Tali Shani v Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome ([2025] UKFTT 1090 (PC)), delivered on September 11, 2025, revealed shocking details of fraud and forgery. The UK court found that the claimant, “Ms. Tali Shani,” was a non-existent person, and that the case was built on deceit using forged Nigerian documents including a National Identification Number (NIN), Death Certificate, and an ECOWAS Travel Certificate (passport) by certain persons representing Ms Tali Shani with Mohammed Edewor, a legal practitioner identified as the known Nigerian facilitator In similar vein, a fake Mr. Tali Shani was presented to the court by Chief Ozekhone and his son, supported by fraudulently procured Nigerian Passport and National Identification Number through the Nigerian immigration Servixe and National Identity Management Commissin under your ministry. According to the court, these documents were central to an elaborate attempt to mislead the court and illegally claim ownership of a property. The revelation, HEDA said, exposes deep cracks in Nigeria’s identity and documentation systems, with grave implications for national security and global reputation. In a petition signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA expressed outrage that such fraudulent documents could be procured and presented to a foreign court. “This case raises serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s national identification and passport systems. When forged documents can be used so easily to commit international fraud, it undermines our institutions and endangers national security,” Suraju said. HEDA is calling for a full-scale investigation into how the fictitious “Ms. Tali Shani” and “Mr. Tali Shani” obtained these documents, as well as the roles played by individuals, officials, and any legal or private entities, including the law firms of Chief Mike Ozekhome and Edewor Solicitors. The civil society organization also demanded that the Ministry should uncover all those involved in producing or facilitating the fraudulently obtained documents; enforce strict penalties against the culprits; strengthen systems to prevent the future issuance of national documents to fictitious persons; and make the findings of the investigation public to restore confidence in Nigeria’s documentation regime. “As a country, we cannot afford to overlook such a scandal. The ease with which fraudulent NIN and passport documents were issued calls for immediate reforms in our identity management processes. Accountability must be enforced to protect Nigeria’s image and safeguard our institutions from criminal manipulation,” Suraju emphasized.
CategoriesHEDA News– Shell-Renaissance divestment deal must be reviewed According to recent Nigerian media reports [1] and a statement by the oil regulator itself, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) [2] has cancelled the approval for TotalEnergies $860 million sale of its share in the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Joint Venture to Chappal Energies. The Joint Venture was managed by Shell prior to the sale of the Shell Petroleum Development Company to Renaissance. Although public details are scarce as to the collapse of the Total-Chappal deal, media reports record the NUPRC spokesperson as confirming that Chappal Energies failed to raise the funds, and as a result TotalEnergies reportedly did not fulfil its requirement to pay regulatory fees and cover funds for environmental rehabilitation and future liabilities.[3]We welcome NUPRC’s enforcement of the regulations it is mandated to enforce, but regret that it has taken months for the decision to enter the public domain. The Nigerian public has a right to be informed of such developments as and when they occur. Now that the Total-Chappal deal has been revealed to have been founded on sand, the question arises why did the deal obtain ministerial consent in the first place? And, if Ministers gave approval for a deal that was without foundation, what other permissions have been similarly granted? In particular, the cancellation of the Total-Chappal sale calls into question President Tinubu’s decision to over-rule NUPRC’s advice that the sale of SPDC to Renaissance did not meet the regulatory requirements. That advice is understood to have rested on concerns over Renaissance’s technical and financial ability to pay for the historic liabilities of SPDC for cleaning up pollution from its operations and facilities, which are likely to run into tens of billions of dollars.We therefore call for the Shell-Renaissance deal to be subject to independent review. If NUPRC’s concerns were indeed well founded, there is a huge risk that the Nigerian people will end up having to pick up the tab for cleaning up SPDC’s mess. We also call for the release of the Environmental Evaluation Studies (EES) for each sale, and also the S&P assessment that was reportedly commissioned by NUPRC to assess the sale of SPDC to Renaissance. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It rests on the active involvement of citizens. As we mark the posthumous birthday of Ken Saro-Wiwa on 10th October and approach the 30 year memorial of the Ogoni-9, we demand action against these companies and their abusive practices. We call on civil society groups and parliamentarians to take up the call for the government to take urgent measures to ensure that the legacy of pollution caused by international oil companies is immediately cleaned up to international standards. And that the companies pay, not the Nigerian state and its peoples. It is unacceptable that the companies should profit at the expense of Nigeria. Signed,106 representatives of Nigerian and international civil society organizations, community groups, and concerned citizens listed belowCitations:[1] https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/823356-nuprc-cancels-totalenergies-860-million-nigerian-onshore-oil-business-sale.html[2] https://www.nuprc.gov.ng/nuprc-clarifies-totalenergies-chappal-deal/[3] https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/823356-nuprc-cancels-totalenergies-860-million-nigerian-onshore-oil-business-sale.html Nigerian signees:21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women InitiativeAccountability Lab NigeriaAfrica Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)African Centre for Media and Information LiteracyAminigboko Community, Emughan Clan, Abua/Odual LGA, Rivers StateAnti-corruption and Transparency Support InitiativeAssociation of Rural Chiefs for Peace & DevelopmentBudgITCenter for Environment Human Rights and DevelopmentCenter for Gender Equity and Sustainable DevelopmentCentre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate ChangeCENTRE FOR RURAL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENTCITADCivil Rights Council (CRC)Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International NigeriaCivil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLACCommunity Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)Connected AdvocacyDevelopment Research and Synergy InitiativeEagle Eye Transparency and Integrity Initiative EETAIIEcoWomen Connect for Environment and Food InitiativeEedee ladiesEedee Ladies of TaiFoundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development FENRAD NigeriaGbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organization (GWEDO)GGTNIGERIAGlobal RightsHealth of Mother Earth FoundationHEDA Resource CentreIbom Peer FoundationInitiative for Social Development in Africa (iSODAF)KEBETKACHE Women Development & Resource CentreLekeh development foundationLincgreen Climate Change InitiativeMiideekor Environmental Development Initiative-MEDIMovement For The Survival Of The Ogoni People – (MOSOP)Network Advancement Program for Poverty and DRR (NAPPDRR)OLEGH Centre for Community DevelopmentOxfamPartners for Community Empowerment (PACE)Partners West Africa – NigeriaPolicy AlertProcurement Observation and Advocacy InitiativeRelief International AfricaResource Centre for Human Rights & Civic education (CHRICEDRhodapomak Center for Empowerment and DevelopmentRights Advocacy and Development Centre – RADECRise For BayelsaSafe Space Development FoundationSamuel Uchechukwu Chukwure’s Family in Ibaa communitySocial Action, NigeriaSocio Economic Research and Development Centre, SERDECSpaces for Change, NigeriaSustainable Collective Advocacy for Africa Development Initiative (SCAAD Initiative )Touch to Heal InitiativeTraditional institutionUniversity of UyoWe the PeopleWomen in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)Women Youths and Children Advancement ProgramYouth for Change and Social Life development foundation YOFCIYouths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) International:350HawaiiAFRICA: Seen & HeardAfrican Initiative on Food Security and Environment (AIFE)Andy Gheorghiu ConsultingAnimals Are Sentient Beings, Inc.Anti-Fraud Initiative GhanaAssociation pour la défense des droits à l’eau et à l’assainissementBatani FoundationBoth ENDSCentre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO)Cherokee Concerned CitizensClimate Action for Lifelong Learners (CALL)Climate Camp ScotlandClimate Clock DRCCorner HouseDaraja PressEarthlife Africa DurbanEKOenergy ecolabelFair Finance InternationalFossil Free ParliamentFriends of the Earth FranceHawkmothInternational Lawyers ProjectJamaa Resource InitiativesJubilee Australia Research CentreJust ShareJustice 4 NigeriaMiningWatch CanadaNinja Tune LtdOil Change InternationalOLUCOMEPhysicians for Social Responsibility PennsylvaniaPlatformre•generationReCommonRights and Accountability in Development (RAID)The Future We NeedThe University of Hong Kong(Student)The Vessel Project of LouisianaTipping Point UKUnion of Concerned ScientistsurgewaldWar on WantWeka Afri Sustainable Biodiversity and Food Security Foundation
CategoriesClimate changeThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has berated the Presidency, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Senate over their gross dereliction of duty in the appointment and confirmation of Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the now-resigned Minister of Science and Technology, who forged his Bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, an incident that has once again exposed deep-rooted lapses in Nigeria’s governance and vetting processes. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA condemned what it described as a shameful institutional failure that allowed a minister with forged credentials to pass through multiple levels of scrutiny from the DSS security vetting to the Senate confirmation and eventual presidential appointment despite credible warnings and petitions raised by the anti-corruption group. “It is disheartening that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the DSS all ignored clear red flags and public outcry over Mr. Nnaji’s forged Bachelor’s degree and NYSC certificate. This incident not only erodes public trust in government institutions but also reinforces the perception that corruption and impunity remain the operating principles within Nigeria’s political leadership.” Suraju said. HEDA recalled that in June 2024, it had earlier petitioned President Tinubu and the Senate, calling for an immediate investigation into the allegations of forgery against Mr. Nnaji and for his suspension pending the outcome. However, rather than act decisively, the Presidency maintained silence while the Senate ignored the petition and failed to act on it despite mounting evidence, a move HEDA described as “a betrayal of public trust.” The civil society group further indicted the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to carry out a proper verification or suppressed overwhelming evidence during its security screening, alleging that such dereliction enabled several unqualified individuals with questionable records to attain high public offices. “This is not the first time the DSS has cleared ministerial nominees with forged or questionable credentials. From the cases of Kemi Adeosun to Stella Oduah, and now Geoffrey Nnaji, the pattern of negligence has become too consistent to ignore. The agency has turned what should be a rigorous national security process into a mere formality or extortion opportunity, and Nigerians deserve answers.” Suraju added. While acknowledging Mr. Nnaji’s resignation as a necessary but belated action, HEDA insisted that accountability must go beyond resignation, calling for his immediate prosecution and the sanctioning of all officials involved in clearing and appointing him. “Resignation does not erase the crime of forgery. The law must take its course, and those who enabled this fraud within the Presidency, DSS, and the Senate must also be held accountable,” Suraju maintained. The group urged President Tinubu to demonstrate true commitment to integrity in governance by directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the forgery case, as well as the institutional lapses that made it possible, to serve as a deterrent to future misconduct. “Until those in authority begin to take responsibility for their failures, Nigeria will continue to recycle corruption under different faces,” Suraju warned. “HEDA will continue to stand as a moral compass for accountability and will not relent in demanding that those entrusted with power act with integrity and transparency.” He added. The Nigerian media is commended for its tenacity, in the face of harassment, intimidation, and persecution in unraveling corruption, abuse of office, and holding public officers accountable to their oath of office. The PremiumTimes is particularly recognized for its investigative diligence and consistency in this matter, and for its effective deployment of the Freedom of Information Act for public accountability
CategoriesHEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has announced the kickoff of public voting for the 8th edition of the prestigious Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA) 2025. Held annually, the GFIIA Awards provide the public an opportunity to nominate individuals who exemplify integrity and impact in society. Following a rigorous screening process and approval by the Awards Board, 15 outstanding nominees have been shortlisted across various award categories for selection. The one-month public voting phase, which began on September 15, 2025, and runs through October 15, 2025, can is accessible through the Awards website: gfa.hedang.org HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized the purpose of the GFIIA Awards which is to inspire positive change in societal attitudes toward integrity, community service, and courage while celebrating those who demonstrate these unwavering attributes even in the face of challenges. “The GFIIA Awards process is comprehensive and inclusive, involving public participation from nominations to final voting. The nominees have gone through a thorough multi-stage screening by a panel of experts, with the final list approved by the Awards Board, made up of distinguished personalities,” Suraju stated. The GFIIA Awards Board is chaired by Prof. Itse Sagay SAN, co-chaired by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, and includes notable figures like Prof. Ayo Atsenua, Prof. Nsongurua Udombana, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, Dr. Abiola Akiode-Afolabi, Comrade Achike Chude, and Comrade Femi Aborisade. HEDA received 1,211 nominations during the open call. After careful review and analysis, the following nominees have been shortlisted across four award categories: Outstanding Impact Award: Barr. Olumide Kayode-Omosebi, Mr. Opeoluwa Taiwo, Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, Dr. (Mrs) Adeola Akinwunmi-Ekine, Offiong Ikpeme, Farmer Samson Ogbole, Dinatu Dama Maji. The Whistle-Blower Award Nominees are Pastor Nicholas Evaristus and Builder Kunle Awobodu. Outstanding Integrity Award nominees includes Mohammed AbdulRahman, Auwalu Salisu, Hajiya Aishat Yan Guru, Mary Ngozi Kekwaaru, and Dayyabu Bala Gezawa. Mrs. Yetunde Abimbola-Alebiosu is the sole nominee who successfully passed the screening process for the Nigerian-In-Diaspora Award. HEDA Resource Centre encourages the public to participate actively in this voting process and contribute toward honouring those who uphold the values of impact and integrity championed by the late Gani Fawehinmi. Voting ends on October 15, 2025. For more details on the GFIIA 2025 and to cast your vote, visit gfa.hedang.org
CategoriesHEDA NewsAs part of its effort to address climate change with innovative and lasting solutions, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), with support from OXFAM under the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, has trained 20 journalists, creatives, and climate advocates on the use of data and storytelling to spotlight climate issues and drive positive impact. The four-day Climate Creatives Bootcamp, held in Epe, Lagos, from Tuesday, September 23, to Friday, September 26, 2025, exposed participants to sessions on climate reporting, digital tools, innovative advocacy, and community-centered storytelling. The program was designed to bridge the gap between the lived realities of climate change and the often shallow or sensational narratives found in mainstream reporting and creative content. Guided by experts working at the intersection of climate justice, media, creative arts, and technology, participants explored the science and impacts of climate change, the human rights dimensions of climate justice, and the role of technology in shaping environmental decisions. Modules also examined how data and digital media tools can amplify marginalized voices, counter misinformation, and demand accountability from leaders. HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, said the initiative underscores the vital role of the media and creative sectors in shaping public understanding of climate issues. He noted that storytelling backed by data has the power to not only inform but also mobilize communities and influence policymakers. At the close of the bootcamp, participants were grouped for pitch presentations. The top two groups received grant prizes of ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively, to implement their innovative climate solutions focusing on air quality and food security. The bootcamp, which followed an earlier virtual masterclass, is part of HEDA’s broader commitment to promoting climate justice, good governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.
