HEDA Resource Centre

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OPL 245: HEDA Hails Acquittal of Italian Prosecutors, Says Judgment Strengthens Global Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the decision of Italy’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, acquitting Milan prosecutors Fabio De Pasquale and Sergio Spadaro of all allegations relating to their handling of the OPL 245 corruption trial.  The civil society organisation in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the judgment as a victory for the global anti-corruption movement and a strong affirmation of the need to protect prosecutors and anti-corruption institutions from intimidation, harassment, and politically motivated reprisals. Reacting to the ruling, Suraju maintained that the acquittal reinforces the principle that prosecutors pursuing complex corruption cases involving powerful corporate and political interests must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without fear of persecution. “The decision of the Court of Cassation is a welcome development and a vindication of the prosecutors who dedicated years of their professional lives to pursuing one of the world’s most significant corruption cases. The judgment sends a powerful message that anti-corruption efforts must not be undermined through actions capable of discouraging investigators and prosecutors from carrying out their lawful duties,” Suraju added. According to HEDA, the OPL 245 scandal remains a defining symbol of the challenges confronting international efforts to combat illicit financial flows, grand corruption, and the abuse of public resources. The organisation noted that while legal proceedings may produce different outcomes across jurisdictions, the pursuit of accountability in matters of public interest must never be criminalised. The group further stressed that the acquittal should serve as a wake-up call to governments across the world to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption agencies, prosecutorial authorities, and judicial institutions. “No country can win the fight against corruption if its anti-corruption agencies are subjected to political interference, intimidation, or institutional capture. Effective anti-corruption enforcement depends on independent institutions that are adequately protected and empowered to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing wherever the evidence leads,” Suraju added. The organisation warned that attempts to weaken anti-corruption institutions, whether through political pressure, budgetary constraints, or legal harassment of investigators and prosecutors, ultimately benefit corrupt actors and undermine public confidence in democratic governance. HEDA therefore called on governments, international organisations, and development partners to recommit themselves to safeguarding the operational independence of anti-corruption bodies and ensuring accountability mechanisms that promote integrity without compromising institutional autonomy. The organisation reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in the fight against corruption and urged stakeholders across the globe to draw lessons from the judgment in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.

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Explosive new documents reveal how Shell executives mismanaged environmental failings in Nigeria

LONDON – Newly released emails from oil giant Shell reveal how its senior executives tried to shift blame and avoid responsibility from devastating oil spills that caused widespread environmental damage in Nigeria. Newly released documents raise serious questions about Shell’s legal liability, after its lawyers have spent a decade arguing in court that oil spills and environmental damage caused by operations in Nigeria were the sole responsibility of its subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC). The documents – including email correspondence, internal memos, presentations and reports – show that not only were senior executives of then parent company Royal Dutch Shell aware of the environmental damage, but were directing subsidiary management how to respond. This included knowingly leaving illegal pipeline connections in place to keep production running and mounting a public relations campaign to deflect public scrutiny. The company has faced widespread criticism over its operations in Nigeria, including a 2023 commission describing an “environmental genocide” that has been “devastating for the health, livelihoods, way of life and wellbeing of individuals and local communities”. A large spill in the Billeand Ogale communities of the Niger Delta is currently the subject of a class action filed by lawyers Leigh Day in the English High Courts. The explosive documents were brought to light when a group of campaigners noted their existence during these legal proceedings and requested their release. The not-for-profit organisations who sought the release of the sensitive documents from the company included Nigerian human rights organisation HEDA (Human & Environmental Development Agenda) and Hawkmoth. Executives named in the recent documents include Shell’s then Executive Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa Ann Pickard, who is now a Director of Australia’s Woodside Energy; Royal Dutch Shell Board Member Malcolm Brinded, Shell International E&P Donald Jacobsen; and, Vice Shell International’s President of Corporate Security, James Hall. Revelations from the documents include: In a 2016 witness statement filed at the start of ongoing legal proceedings, Royal Dutch Shell’s then company secretary Michiel Brandjes stated that: “Royal Dutch Shell is a holding company, not an operating company” and that, “neither [RDS’s] Board nor its Executives ever intended to or acted in a manner which would suggest RDS has “assumed responsibility” for those matters at operating company level. RDS does not exercise operational “control over (Health, Safety, Security & Environment) practices of SPDC’s operations in Nigeria”. Reacting to the document release Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair of HEDA Resource Centre, said: “These documents confirm what our communities have known for decades, that Shell knowingly misled communities and courts while the Niger Delta was left to suffer. “For ten years they hid behind legal fiction and now their own emails and internal documents prove it: they knew environmental damage would occur and they chose to keep polluting. “Every day Shell escapes accountability is another day our people pay with their health, their land, and their lives. Divestment from onshore operations is not an excuse to abdicate liabilities with these revelations.” Hawkmoth and HEDA Resource Centre

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HEDA Calls for Peaceful, Issue-Based Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections, Urges Politicians to Uphold June 12 Democratic Ideals

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on political parties, aspirants, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders to ensure that preparations for the 2027 general elections are guided by the democratic values exemplified by the June 12 struggle and its enduring legacy of credible electoral participation, national unity, and respect for the will of the people. In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation emphasised that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and millions of Nigerians in the struggle for democratic governance must not be undermined by violence, hate speech, vote buying, voter intimidation, or other practices capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process. The group noted that as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 polls, the focus should remain on issue-based campaigns that address the pressing concerns of Nigerians, including economic recovery, security, education, healthcare, anti-corruption reforms, youth development, environmental sustainability, and institutional accountability. “The essence of democracy is to provide citizens with informed choices based on ideas, competence, and vision not fear, coercion, or financial inducement. The 2027 elections should reflect the highest standards of electoral integrity and serve as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.” Suraju stated. The anti-corruption organisation strongly condemned the culture of vote buying and vote selling, warning that the monetisation of elections weakens democratic institutions, compromises governance, and perpetuates corruption by encouraging elected officials to recover illicit campaign expenditures at the expense of public welfare. HEDA also expressed concern over the recurring incidents of political violence and electoral bloodshed witnessed in previous election cycles, urging political actors to reject inflammatory rhetoric, the recruitment of thugs, and all forms of intimidation capable of disrupting peaceful participation by voters. The organisation called on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and the media to intensify voter education and strengthen mechanisms that deter electoral offences while ensuring a level playing field for all contestants. “As the nation reflects on the significance of June 12, Nigerians must collectively insist that the 2027 elections are conducted in an atmosphere free from violence, manipulation, and corruption. Democracy thrives when campaigns are based on ideas and elections reflect the genuine choice of the people,” he added. HEDA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, stressing that peaceful, credible, and issue-driven elections remain indispensable to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and sustainable development.

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HEDA Applauds Olukoyede’s Anti-Corruption Reforms Within EFCC

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, for demonstrating a commitment to institutional integrity through the disciplinary actions taken against officials found culpable of misconduct and corrupt practices. In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the decision to dismissed one of its top prosecutors Samuel Chime and others after an investigative panel found them guilty of receiving bribes to sabotage cases as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening public confidence in the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency. “Holding public officers accountable, regardless of their position, is essential to preserving the credibility of anti-corruption institutions. The action taken by the EFCC leadership sends a strong signal that misconduct and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Commission,” the statement said. “We are also calling on the EFCC chairman to ensure that Mr. Chime and other corrupt officers who were sacked are brought to book to face the full wrath of the law. The anti-corruption agencies must continually uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability in order to maintain public trust and effectively discharge their mandates.” According to Suraju, the fight against corruption must begin within institutions entrusted with enforcing accountability, stressing that internal cleansing and institutional discipline are necessary for building a credible and effective anti-corruption framework. The organisation also called for the protection of citizens against abuse of power, selective enforcement, and unethical conduct by public officials, noting that fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law remain fundamental principles of effective anti-corruption governance. HEDA reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at strengthening accountability institutions and promoting integrity, transparency, and justice in Nigeria’s public sector.

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GFIIA 2026: HEDA Calls for Nominations for the 9th Edition of Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards

GFIIA 2026: HEDA Calls for Nominations for the 9th Edition of Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria, announces the call for nominations for the 9th Edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA 2026). Named in honor of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a distinguished human rights activist and legal luminary, the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards aim to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional integrity and contribute significantly to societal improvement. The awards’ board, chaired by Professor Itse Sagay and co-chaired by Professor Ayo Atsenua, includes esteemed members such as Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Professor Nsogorua Udombana, Dr. Abiola Akiode-Afolabi, Comrade Achike Achude, and Mr. Olarenwaju Suraju. They are committed to honoring those who exemplify integrity and make remarkable contributions to society. According to a statement from HEDA’s Chairman, the GFIIA 2026 nomination period officially begins on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will remain open until Sunday, July 19, 2026. The subsequent two-week phase will involve collation, shortlisting, and board feedback, concluding these processes on August 3, 2026. Voting will take place from Monday, August 24 to Friday, October 16, 2026. The awards presentation is scheduled for December 10, 2026. HEDA’s Chairman, Olarenwaju Suraju, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to celebrating individuals who embody the values championed by Chief Gani Fawehinmi. The awards seek to honor those who, despite the temptations of corruption and unethical practices, choose a path of transparency, honesty, and integrity. These individuals serve as role models, inspiring others to follow suit. The Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards feature four distinct categories to encourage public participation: the Outstanding Integrity Award, Outstanding Impact Award, Valuable Whistle-blower Award, and Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award. To nominate deserving individuals for GFIIA 2026, the public is encouraged to visit the official nomination portal at www.gfa.hedang.org. HEDA Resource Centre remains committed to upholding the legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi by promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. The Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards continue to be a platform for recognizing and celebrating those who make a significant positive impact on society.

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HEDA, NIHSA Launch Nationwide Dissemination, Training and Sensitisation on 2026 Annual Flood Outlook Across Nigeria’s Six Geopolitical Zones

HEDA Resource Centre, in collaboration with Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, has announced a nationwide dissemination, training, and sensitisation programme on the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) aimed at strengthening public understanding of flood risks, improving preparedness, and supporting early action across vulnerable communities in Nigeria. The two-day virtual programme will bring together participants from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, community leaders, media professionals, civil society organisations, researchers, humanitarian actors, and personnel from Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, and Emergency Management Agencies. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to simplify and disseminate flood forecast information in ways that are practical, accessible, and useful to communities most affected by recurring floods and climate-related disasters. According to HEDA Resource Centre, improving public understanding of flood risks is critical not only for disaster preparedness, but also for protecting agriculture, rural livelihoods, and food security across Nigeria. The organisation noted that farmers remain among the groups most affected by annual flooding, with repeated losses to farmlands, fisheries, livestock, storage facilities, and transportation routes contributing significantly to food insecurity and economic hardship. The dissemination and sensitisation programme is therefore designed to help participants understand flood-prone areas, likely impacts within their regions, and practical preparedness measures that can reduce losses before and during the rainy season. Speaking on the programme, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, stressed the need to move flood information beyond technical reports into practical community knowledge. “Every year, flood predictions are released, but many communities still do not receive the information in ways they can understand or act upon. This programme is about simplifying the Annual Flood Outlook and ensuring that farmers, local institutions, media organisations, and communities are better prepared ahead of the peak rainfall period,” he said. The sessions will be delivered in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin, and English to ensure wider participation and understanding across different regions of the country. HEDA further called on media organisations, particularly radio stations and community broadcasters, to actively participate in the programme. According to the organisation, the media plays a major role in translating and disseminating flood information to local communities, especially rural populations with limited access to digital platforms and official reports. The organisation maintained that journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners must understand the Annual Flood Outlook well enough to communicate flood risks responsibly, accurately, and consistently to the public before disasters occur. The programme will cover practical areas including interpretation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, flood risk communication, early warning dissemination, protection of farmlands and livelihoods, community preparedness measures, and coordinated response planning at community and institutional levels. HEDA also encouraged State Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, Emergency Management Agencies, local governments, civil society groups, and community-based organisations to participate actively and support wider dissemination of the flood outlook within their states and communities. The programme is scheduled to hold virtually on May 19 and 20, 2026, with separate regional sessions for participants across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

CategoriesArticles Climate change HEDA News

SCP 2026: HEDA TRAINS OVER 500 FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS IN LOCAL LANGUAGES ACROSS 17 STATES ON SEASONAL CLIMATE FORECAST

In its continual efforts to bridge the information gap between smallholder farmers and climate science, HEDA Resource Centre has trained and sensitised over 500 farmer leaders, cooperative representatives, extension actors, and agricultural stakeholders on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in local languages across 17 states and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The just-concluded four-day hybrid training programme jointly organized by HEDA Resource Centre, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), and Association of Small Scale AgroProducers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), was designed to improve farmers’ access to climate information and strengthen their ability to understand, analyse, and utilise seasonal climate forecasts for agricultural decision-making. The initiative also aimed at breaking the communication gap between climate forecasts, policy discussions, and practical implementation at community level. The programme deliberately mobilised participants with strong community reach and influence, including members of farmer cooperatives, extension networks, women farmer groups, and local agricultural associations who are in turn expected to further share lessons from the training within their communities and support wider awareness on climate-smart farming practices during the 2026 farming season. The programme combined virtual training with physical community participation. While sessions were delivered online, local partners across several states mobilised and gathered participants in central locations where they jointly participated in the training and sensitisation sessions. This approach ensured that farmers without smartphones, stable internet access, or digital literacy were not excluded from the programme. Speaking on the initiative, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, noted that the gap between climate science and the farmer’s field remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing and underappreciated challenges. “Climate information is only useful when the people most affected can understand and apply it. This training is our commitment to closing that gap, not just in English, but in local languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Pidgin which our farmers speak and understand,” Arigbabu said. The training recorded seven sessions held over four days, covering states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Benue, Nasarawa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa, Plateau, and Taraba. Participants included smallholder crop farmers, livestock keepers, fisheries and aquaculture practitioners, extension agents, agricultural researchers, cooperatives, and personnel from State Ministries of Agriculture. The sessions guided participants through the practical implications of the 2026 SCP for planting calendars and crop variety selection, flood risk awareness and early warning, livestock management under variable rainfall conditions, fisheries and aquaculture planning, soil and water conservation, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies. Lessons also focused on practical actions farmers can take before and during the farming season to improve resilience and food production despite changing climate conditions. Meanwhile, HEDA has called on institutions across sub-nationals, particularly State Ministries of Agriculture across the 36 states, to build on this momentum by ensuring that the 2026 SCP is further cascaded to local government and community levels before and during the planting season. The organization maintained that state governments must work more closely with NiMet to localize climate predictions for their specific agricultural zones and leverage state-owned radio and broadcast media to reach farmers who may not be accessible through virtual platforms. Similarly, the group urged the Federal Government, through its relevant agencies, to invest in expanding community-level climate information systems and extension support. According to HEDA, trained individuals embedded within farming communities can play an important role in translating technical weather and climate advisories into practical guidance that farmers can use throughout the farming season.

Sadiya Umar Farouq CategoriesHEDA News

Alleged N37bn Fraud: HEDA Commends EFCC Move Against Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds amounting to about N37 billion. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organisation described the development as a significant step in the fight against corruption and a demonstration that no public official should be above accountability, regardless of status or political affiliation. The anti-corruption organisation recalled that it had earlier welcomed the court order directing the arrest of the former minister and demanded swift investigation and prosecution of all individuals implicated in the alleged fraud linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Suraju, the allegations surrounding the mismanagement of humanitarian intervention funds represent a grave betrayal of public trust, especially considering that the funds were meant for vulnerable Nigerians facing poverty, displacement, and economic hardship. “HEDA commends the EFCC for taking the bold step of declaring the former minister wanted following allegations involving the diversion of public funds meant for humanitarian purposes and her subsequent failure to appear for court summons. This action sends a strong message that accountability must prevail in public service,” the statement said. The group further urged the EFCC and other relevant anti-graft agencies not to relent until justice is served and all looted public funds are recovered. The organisation stressed that anti-corruption efforts must go beyond media publicity and result in diligent prosecution, asset recovery, and institutional reforms capable of preventing future abuse of public resources. HEDA also called on citizens with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the former minister to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the interest of justice and national accountability. The civil society group reiterated its longstanding position that corruption within social intervention programmes undermines national development, deepens inequality, and erodes public confidence in government institutions. HEDA urged the Federal Government to strengthen transparency mechanisms within ministries, departments, and agencies handling public welfare and intervention programmes to ensure accountability and effective service delivery.

Gov. Adeleke CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Commends Gov. Adeleke Over Dethronement of Apetu, Renews Call for Probe of Oluwo’s Alleged Criminal Record

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Osun State Government for the removal of Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede as the Apetu of Ipetumodu, describing the action as a decisive step toward restoring integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s traditional institutions, while renewing its call for an investigation into allegations surrounding the Oluwo of Iwo. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA noted that the decision of Governor Ademola Adeleke to dethrone the monarch validates the organisation’s earlier call in September 2025 for decisive action following Oba Oloyede’s conviction for a $4.4 million fraud in the United States. The civil society organization described the government’s action as a reaffirmation of the principle that no individual, regardless of status, should occupy positions of authority while burdened with proven criminal records that undermine public trust and institutional credibility. “The removal of the Apetu of Ipetumodu is a commendable demonstration of political will and respect for the sanctity of traditional institutions. It sends a strong message that integrity must remain the cornerstone of leadership, whether in formal governance or traditional authority,” the statement read. The organisation, however, stressed that the development should not be treated as an isolated corrective measure but as a catalyst for systemic reform across traditional institutions in Nigeria. HEDA called on state governments, kingmakers, and relevant traditional councils to institutionalise thorough background checks and due diligence processes before appointing individuals to royal stools. According to HEDA, traditional rulers occupy sensitive cultural and moral positions as custodians of heritage and symbols of unity, and as such, must be individuals of unquestionable character and integrity. HEDA further urged the Osun State Government to sustain the same level of accountability by acting on its earlier demand for a probe into allegations concerning the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi. The organisation recalled that it in June 2024, had previously called on Governor Adeleke to constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate reports alleging past criminal convictions involving the monarch, noting that the matter remains unresolved despite its seriousness and continued public concern. “While we commend the decisive action taken in the case of Ipetumodu, we reiterate our call on the Osun State Government to act with equal urgency on the allegations concerning the Oluwo of Iwo. Consistency in upholding ethical standards is essential to maintaining public confidence in traditional leadership,” the organisation stated. HEDA emphasised that selective accountability could undermine reform efforts and weaken the broader objective of restoring honour, dignity, and credibility to traditional institutions across the country. The group concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise integrity, transparency, and the rule of law in the selection and oversight of traditional rulers, noting that the long-term stability and moral authority of these institutions depend on the character of those who occupy them.

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.