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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Gov Seyi Makinde CategoriesAccountability HEDA News

Bodija Explosion: HEDA Drags Seyi Makinde to EFCC Over Alleged Diversion of ₦30bn Intervention Funds

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion, misapplication, and criminal breach of trust involving Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan. In a petition signed by HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the civil society organisation alleged that the Federal Government released ₦30 billion to the Oyo State Government for victims’ compensation, reconstruction, and emergency relief after the deadly explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties. HEDA noted that the release of the funds was first publicly alleged by former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during a national television broadcast, and later reiterated in a statement on 28 December 2025. Fayose subsequently released documents, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated 29 August 2024, which he claimed showed evidence of the fund release. According to the civil group, only about ₦4.5 billion intervention funds was reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30b was unaccounted for. The organisation further alleged that the fund was held in a commercial bank at interest for over a year without public disclosure by the Oyo State Government, leaving the utilisation and status of the funds unclear. “We at HEDA expressed concern that the state government had allegedly failed to provide transparent public disclosure or a comprehensive account of the total intervention funds received, how they were spent, and the status of any unspent balance.” “These allegations raise serious concerns bordering on corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, criminal breach of trust, and possible money laundering, all of which fall within the statutory mandate of the EFCC.” Suraju added. While noting that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution grants immunity from prosecution to a sitting governor, HEDA stressed that such immunity does not prevent investigations, particularly regarding public funds and accountability. HEDA therefore called on the EFCC to conduct a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation into the receipt, management, and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. The organisation said the petition was submitted in good faith and in the overriding public interest, urging the anti-graft agency to act urgently to uphold public confidence and accountability in the management of public resources.

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CategoriesHEDA News

EFCC Reaffirms Commitment to Asset Recovery at UNCAC Conference in Qatar

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the fight against financial crimes and the recovery and repatriation of illicit financial flows to Nigeria. Olukoyede gave the assurance while speaking at the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference in Doha, Qatar, during a side event themed “Recovering the Loot Is an Obstacle Course: New Mechanisms?” The event was jointly organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Nigeria; the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), South Africa; the EFCC, Nigeria; and Integrity Initiatives International. He described asset recovery as a core pillar of Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy and highlighted achievements recorded by the EFCC over the past two years, including increased prosecutions, recovery of proceeds of crime, forfeiture of luxury assets, and restitution to victims, both locally and internationally. According to him, the commission has strengthened collaboration with international partners, leading to the recovery and repatriation of funds and assets traced to jurisdictions such as Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. He also cited the application of non-conviction-based asset recovery mechanisms under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA), 2022, which he said has improved transparency in asset management and enhanced restitution to victims. Speaking on challenges confronting the commission, Olukoyede identified the complexity of cross-border asset recovery as a major obstacle, noting that differences in legal frameworks and limited cooperation from some countries often delay recovery efforts. He also raised concerns about the role of corrupt professional networks, including lawyers and financial experts, who facilitate financial crimes across borders. Also speaking at the event, the Head and Chief Executive of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi, emphasised the importance of asset recovery in the global anti-corruption fight. He noted that several African anti-graft agencies have adopted legislative and institutional frameworks similar to Nigeria’s EFCC model, including asset forfeiture units, specialised investigation teams, and dedicated tribunals to handle corruption-related cases. The participants at the session called on both state and non-state actors to intensify support for anti-corruption efforts, protect whistleblowers, and back the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court. In his remarks, Hon. Allan Rock, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and a board member of Integrity Initiatives International, underscored the need for an international anti-corruption court, saying ongoing work on the draft framework aims to produce a representative document for consideration by governments by 2026. Similarly, the Special Envoy for Anti-Corruption at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ambassador Caroline Weijers, stressed that corruption undermines all sectors of society and must be tackled collectively. She called for principled, selfless leadership, stronger regional cooperation, and sustained legal and institutional reforms to combat corruption globally.

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CategoriesHEDA News

UK $9.5m Recovered: A Win for Nigeria Anti-Corruption Fight – HEDA

– CSO charges FG on accountability, prudent use of repatriate funds The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the decision of the United Kingdom, through the Bailiwick of Jersey, to return over $9.5 million in looted funds to Nigeria, describing the development as a significant victory in the global fight against corruption and illicit financial flows. HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, noted that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK authorities and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the repatriation of the funds reinforces the growing international consensus that there should be no safe haven for proceeds of corruption, regardless of where they are hidden. “This recovery represents a clear success for sustained anti-corruption advocacy, particularly in the area of asset recovery and repatriation, which has been one of HEDA’s core campaigns over the years,” Suraju said. According to HEDA, the return of the funds traced to suspicious proceeds of corruption diverted by third-party contractors on behalf of senior Nigerian officials demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation, civil forfeiture mechanisms, and persistent pressure by civil society to hold corrupt actors accountable. The civil society organisation recalled that previous repatriated funds facilitated by the UK and its Crown Dependencies were reportedly deployed to critical infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge under monitoring frameworks, adding that this model should be strengthened and improved upon. “While commending the Federal Government and international partners for the recovery, we are charging the Nigerian government to ensure that the returned funds are judiciously utilised for landmark projects that deliver tangible benefits to citizens, particularly in the areas of transportation, social infrastructure, and economic productivity.” Suraju stressed. HEDA further urged the Federal Government to go beyond assurances and demonstrate full transparency, public disclosure, and independent monitoring in the utilisation of the recovered funds. Nigerians deserve to see, track, and verify how recovered assets are utilized. The civil group reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring asset recovery processes, advocating for stronger safeguards against corruption, and working with stakeholders to ensure that recovered public wealth is used to advance national development and restore public trust in governance.

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