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ex-defence minister Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Demands ICAN Sanction Convicted Ex-Defence Official Over ₦868m Fraud

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to immediately commence disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Nwabuoke Anamekwe Chukwunyere following his conviction for fraud and money laundering. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, the anti-corruption group urged the professional body to impose maximum sanctions on Chukwunyere, a Fellow of the Institute, to protect the integrity of the accounting profession in Nigeria. The civil society organisation’s demand follows the judgment delivered on March 23, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which found Chukwunyere guilty on nine counts bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds. The court sentenced him to 72 years imprisonment, to run concurrently as eight years. HEDA noted that the conviction provides conclusive evidence of professional misconduct, stressing that the former Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence abused his office by diverting funds meant for national security, amounting to ₦868.46 million. According to the organisation, the court’s findings further revealed that the convicted official refunded ₦220 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during the investigation, an act the court interpreted as an admission of guilt. “If he did not have a guilty mind, then he would not have refunded the money. This offence is a grave betrayal of public trust and a serious breach of ethical standards expected of chartered accountants.” Suraju maintained. The organisation recalled that it had earlier petitioned ICAN in July and November 2022 over the matter, but the Institute had deferred action pending the conclusion of court proceedings. With a final judgment now secured, HEDA insisted that there is no longer any justification for delay. Citing ICAN’s Professional Code of Conduct, particularly provisions on integrity, objectivity, and professional behaviour, Suraju maintained that Chukwunyere’s actions clearly amount to infamous conduct that warrants decisive disciplinary action. HEDA therefore urged the Accountants’ Investigating Panel to act swiftly and decisively, including the application of maximum professional sanctions, to serve as a deterrent and reaffirm public confidence in the accounting profession. The organisation stressed that failure to act decisively would undermine the credibility of the “Chartered Accountant” designation and weaken efforts to promote accountability in the management of public resources.

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Sadiya Umar-Farouq CategoriesHEDA News

Corruption: HEDA Welcomes Arrest Order for Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, Demands Swift Justice, Recalls Earlier Call for Probe

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the decision of the Federal High Court ordering the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and a Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, over alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and N746.6 million. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the development as a major step toward strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s public sector, particularly in agencies responsible for social welfare and intervention programmes. The arrest warrant issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie followed the failure of the defendants to appear in court to answer to a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds, as filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The organisation recalled that in January 2024, it had raised concerns and called for a swift probe and thorough investigation into N37.1 billion fraud allegations and financial irregularities linked to the former minister during her tenure. “HEDA has long advocated for a comprehensive probe into allegations surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the leadership of the former minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. This development reinforces the importance of sustained civic vigilance and institutional accountability,” Suraju maintained The anti-corruption organisation maintained that the alleged diversion of funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians represents a grave breach of public trust and underscores systemic challenges in the management of social intervention programmes. HEDA, therefore, called on the EFCC and relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure the immediate execution of the court’s order and guarantee that the defendants are brought before the court without further delay. It also urged that the prosecution of the case be conducted diligently, transparently, and without interference. Suraju further warned that the case must not be allowed to suffer the fate of prolonged trials or be undermined by procedural delays, noting that justice must be both swift and seen to be served. “HEDA is counting on the judiciary to remain firm and impartial throughout the proceedings, ensuring that the rule of law prevails irrespective of the status of the individuals involved.” Reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the group stressed that recovering any misappropriated funds and ensuring justice in this matter will send a strong signal that corruption in public office will no longer be tolerated.

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The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Commends NIS for Swift Action on Alleged Border Extortion, Calls for Transparent Investigation and Public Accountability

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for its prompt response to allegations of widespread extortion along the Lagos-Seme border corridor, describing the action as a critical step toward restoring public confidence in the agency. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation particularly lauded the Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, for suspending the affected comptrollers and ordering a comprehensive investigation into the reported misconduct. According to the group, such decisive measures send a strong signal that corruption and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Service. HEDA, however, stressed that beyond the commendable initial steps, it is imperative that the ongoing investigation is pursued diligently, transparently, and brought to a logical conclusion. The organisation urged the NIS to ensure that the findings of the probe are made public and that all officers found culpable are held accountable in accordance with the law. “The decision to suspend officers and initiate an investigation is a welcome development. However, Nigerians have witnessed similar actions in the past that failed to yield concrete outcomes. It is therefore crucial that this investigation is not only thorough but also transparent, with periodic updates provided to the public.” Suraju stated. The anti-corruption organisation emphasized that extortion at border points undermines Nigeria’s integrity, discourages lawful trade and travel, and erodes citizens’ trust in public institutions. HEDA called on the NIS to strengthen its internal monitoring systems and ensure that its accountability mechanisms are not only reactive but preventive. The group also encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the official reporting channels provided by the NIS to report incidents of misconduct, noting that citizen participation is vital in the fight against corruption. Reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions, HEDA urged the NIS to use this opportunity to set a new standard for institutional integrity by ensuring that justice is served and seen to be served.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA, NRGI, Miideekor and others to Convene Town Halls on Oil Divestment in Niger Delta

In a bid to strengthen transparency, environmental responsibility, and community participation in oil asset divestment attempts in the Niger Delta, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), MIIIDEEKOR, Social Action, HOMEF, Kebetkache, and SDN have announced plans to convene community town hall meetings on oil divestment and transition accountability in the Niger Delta. In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation said the initiative comes amid significant structural changes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector driven by the divestment of onshore and shallow-water assets by international oil companies. HEDA noted that major multinational firms including Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Eni have been purportedly transferring or selling oil assets to indigenous operators as part of corporate restructuring and global energy transition strategies. While the divestment trend presents opportunities for increased local participation in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, the organisation expressed concerns that host communities are left with unresolved environmental, economical and social liabilities. It warned that exiting companies could abandon oil spill sites, obsolete infrastructure, and outstanding liabilities without adequate remediation. The statement further explained that the process is guided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and overseen by institutions such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. However, HEDA observed that affected communities often lack sufficient information about the divestment processes, their rights, and the responsibilities of both exiting and incoming operators. Suraju stressed the need for inclusive platforms where host communities can express grievances and demand accountability. He noted that the town hall meetings, which build on HEDA’s 2024 engagements on the subject, would facilitate dialogue, promote awareness, and document community concerns relating to environmental justice, development, and energy transition in the Niger Delta. According to the civil group, the town halls will bring together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of the NUPRC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, National Human Rights Commission, state governments, host communities, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, civil society organisations, and the media. The Port Harcourt session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, while the Yenagoa meeting will hold on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

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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.

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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.

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CategoriesHEDA News

Job Vacancy: Legal Officer

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Management Position Overview: We are seeking a competent and detail-oriented Legal Officer to provide legal support to our organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling legal research, drafting and reviewing legal documents, supporting litigation processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing legal advisory services to support the organisation’s programmes and operations. Key Responsibilities Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application –Legal Officer”

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CategoriesHEDA News

JOB Vacancy: Programmes Manager (Good governance)

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Programs Director  Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our Good Governance Department. The Programme Manager will lead the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs under the Good Governance Department. The role involves overseeing project execution, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, managing stakeholder relationships, and promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation initiatives. The Programme Manager will ensure that all governance-related projects align with the organisation’s strategic objectives and deliver measurable impact. Key Responsibilities: Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application – Programmes Manager (Good Governance)”

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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.

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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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