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HEDA Urges Federal High Court Chief Judge to Return ₦10.27bn Bello Case to Judge

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, to return the ₦10.27 billion money-laundering case involving Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalami Hudu to Justice James Omotosho for conclusion, rather than allowing the case to start afresh. HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, made the call following Justice Omotosho’s reported withdrawal from the case on September 24, 2026, over concerns surrounding the alleged tampering with an exhibit admitted in evidence. The case, which began in 2022, concerns the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) allegations that ₦10.27 billion was misappropriated from the Kogi State Government treasury. The defendants have denied the allegations. The prosecution called 17 witnesses and closed its case on June 2, 2026, after which the defendants filed no-case submissions. Justice Omotosho’s withdrawal followed an earlier incident involving Exhibit N, a mobile phone containing WhatsApp conversations. The judge had ordered investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) after alleging that messages on the device had been deleted. He subsequently said the unresolved controversy surrounding the exhibit could affect his consideration of the no-case submissions and create an appearance of bias. HEDA urged the Chief Judge to consider all lawful options for returning the case to Justice Omotosho, stressing that restarting the trial could further delay and derail a case that has already progressed to the close of the prosecution’s evidence. The organisation also called for the outcome of the investigation into the alleged evidence tampering to be formally made available to the court and properly addressed through due process with law enforcement agencies prosecuting the Registrar indicted by the judge. According to Suraju, HEDA’s position does not amount to a determination of the guilt or innocence of any of the defendants. The allegations against the defendants remain matters for judicial determination based on the evidence before the court, and it is also to be ascertained if any of the defendants participated in the alleged evidence tampering. “We urged the Chief Judge to protect the integrity of the proceedings while ensuring that the substantial progress already made in the case is not unnecessarily lost. We also further call for clarity on the outcomes of the investigations, the status of the allegedly deleted messages and the circumstances surrounding the handling of evidence admitted by the court.” Suraju added. HEDA said the case should be allowed to proceed from the stage already reached, subject to applicable law and due process, rather than being restarted without compelling legal necessity. The organisation also called for the outcome of the investigation into the alleged evidence tampering to be made available to the court and properly addressed through due process. HEDA stressed that its position does not amount to a determination of the guilt or innocence of any defendant, noting that the allegations remain subject to judicial determination. It urged the Federal High Court to preserve the progress already made in the case and ensure its timely determination in accordance with the law.

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David Nweze Umahi, Minister of Works of Nigeria CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Calls for Investigation into N60.1bn Ministry of Works Contracts Linked to Umahi Associate

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the award and payment of N60.1 billion in contracts by the Federal Ministry of Works to Reinforced Global Resources Limited, following findings published by BusinessDay Investigations. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA described the findings as concerning, particularly the reported political and business links between the company’s Managing Director, Joshua Okoro, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi. According to BusinessDay, Reinforced Global Resources received N60.08 billion in 27 payments from the Ministry of Works between 2024 and 2026, with the ministry accounting for the company’s entire recorded federal payment history. The investigation also found that the company began receiving federal contracts in April 2024, about eight months after Umahi assumed office as Minister of Works. The report further stated that Okoro publicly campaigned for Umahi during the 2023 elections and that Reinforced Global Resources had previously received contracts under Umahi’s administration as Governor of Ebonyi State. The civil society group also raised concerns over reported procurement irregularities, including advance payments on the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road project and questions around the disclosure of relationships in public procurement. BusinessDay reported that about 42 percent of the project value was paid through advance payments released in quick succession. Suraju said the reported transactions warranted scrutiny and should not be reduced to a political controversy. “Where billions of naira in public funds are involved, Nigerians are entitled to know whether the procurement process was transparent, competitive and compliant with the law. He called on the relevant anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the contracts and determine whether any laws or financial regulations were breached. “We therefore call on the appropriate anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies to urgently investigate the award, execution and payments associated with these contracts and establish whether any laws or financial regulations were breached.” Suraju also stressed that any investigation should be guided by due process and that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation or status. “HEDA emphasises that an allegation is not a conviction. However, if an investigation establishes wrongdoing, anyone found culpable should face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of political party, office, influence or connections.” Suraju urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and other relevant institutions to examine the procurement and payment records relating to the contracts. The anti-corruption group also called for scrutiny of the relevant procurement documents, contract-award processes, payment records, project completion certificates, beneficial ownership information and conflict-of-interest disclosures. HEDA said a transparent and independent investigation would help protect public resources and strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s public procurement system.

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HEDA x PPLAAF workshop CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA, PPLAAF to Convene Stakeholder Workshop on Anti-Corruption Capacity and Asset Tracing in Abuja

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), will convene a one-day stakeholder workshop aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to trace, recover and repatriate illicitly acquired assets. The workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Abuja, will bring together financial intelligence analysts, anti-corruption practitioners, prosecutors, judicial officers, civil society organisations and investigative journalists. The hybrid-format event tagged “Strengthening Anti-Corruption Capacity & Asset Tracing Frameworks in Nigeria” will focus on strengthening practical approaches to asset tracing and recovery, improving inter-agency intelligence sharing, and advancing whistleblower protection mechanisms. Key regulatory and enforcement institutions expected to engage with the initiative include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). According to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the workshop is being convened against the backdrop of increasingly sophisticated methods of concealing illicitly acquired assets, including the use of offshore companies, complex corporate structures, real estate and digital assets. “Strengthening anti-corruption enforcement requires approaches that go beyond investigating and prosecuting individuals to systematically identifying, tracing, freezing, recovering and repatriating the proceeds of corruption,” Suraju added. The workshop will therefore provide a platform for participants to examine modern asset-tracing methodologies, including the use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), as well as explore legal and technical frameworks for cross-border asset recovery, Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), and the effective integration of whistleblower-generated evidence into financial crime investigations and prosecutions. “Asset recovery must remain a central component of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions to trace complex financial networks, share intelligence and protect those who provide information is essential to ensuring that corruption does not pay,” Suraju maintained. The workshop is expected to strengthen technical capacity among relevant stakeholders while creating practical pathways for sustained collaboration between enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and the media in the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows.

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CategoriesHEDA News

UK Acquittal Should Not Halt Diezani’s Corruption Case in Nigeria – HEDA tells FG

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has said the acquittal of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by a United Kingdom court should not be interpreted as an end to corruption investigations, prosecutions and asset-recovery proceedings relating to her in Nigeria. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation said the June 17 verdict of the Southwark Crown Court Jury must be respected as a judicial decision concerning the specific bribery charges brought before the UK court, but does not automatically determine the outcome of separate proceedings and allegations being pursued under Nigerian law. HEDA said Federal Government of Nigeria must continue to pursue all legitimate aspects of the cases based on credible evidence, due process and the rule of law. HEDA said its position was informed by its longstanding monitoring of the Diezani case, which it has documented in its Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases. The organisation’s 2020 edition highlighted the difficulties surrounding efforts to bring Alison-Madueke before a Nigerian court, including an order directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce her for trial. Its subsequent publications also tracked forfeiture proceedings involving properties and other assets linked to the former minister, including her challenges to the EFCC’s efforts to dispose of forfeited assets. “The UK judgment should be respected for what it is: a decision on the specific criminal charges for crimes committed under the UK laws that were before the court. It should neither be misrepresented as proof of guilt nor as a blanket determination of every allegation, investigation or asset-recovery proceeding connected to the former minister,” Suraju said. The organisation noted that criminal prosecution and asset recovery are related but distinct processes, stressing that the failure of a criminal prosecution does not necessarily determine the status of assets where separate legal proceedings apply. HEDA urged the EFCC and other relevant Nigerian institutions to independently assess the evidence available to them and proceed with viable cases, while ensuring that any further prosecution complies with constitutional safeguards, including the right to a fair hearing and protection against double jeopardy. HEDA also stressed that Nigeria’s responsibility to investigate corruption and recover public assets cannot be outsourced to foreign jurisdictions. “Nigeria must not wait for foreign courts to determine whether Nigerians accused of corruption should face justice. Our institutions must sustain and improve the investigative capacity, evidence-gathering systems and international cooperation mechanisms required to pursue complex corruption cases, wherever the proceeds may have been moved,” the organisation said. The organisation said the Diezani case has a significant international asset-recovery dimension, with previous proceedings involving properties and other assets linked to the former minister in jurisdictions including the United States and the United Kingdom. It urged Nigerian authorities to provide greater clarity on the status of the various corruption cases and asset-recovery proceedings involving Alison-Madueke, warning that prolonged investigations and court processes without adequate public communication could weaken confidence in anti-corruption institutions. The group also called for greater transparency in the management of assets recovered or forfeited in corruption cases, saying Nigerians should know what has been recovered, where such assets are located, how they are being managed and how recovered public resources are ultimately deployed. It urged the media and civil society organisations to sustain scrutiny of the Nigerian authorities’ handling of the case, including criminal proceedings, asset recovery and the management of recovered assets. “The ultimate test is not whether justice can be obtained in London or any other foreign jurisdiction. The test is whether Nigeria has institutions capable of investigating credible allegations, prosecuting cases based on evidence, recovering the proceeds of corruption and ensuring that those resources are returned transparently to the Nigerian people,” Suraju said.

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CategoriesHEDA News

Fake Agencies, Ghost Workers: HEDA Commends Tinubu’s Directive on Forensic Audit, Urges Swift Prosecution of Perpetrators

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing a comprehensive forensic audit of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), federal agencies and related government systems following disturbing revelations of fictitious government entities, ghost workers and systemic control failures. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group described the directive as an important step towards uncovering the full extent of the weaknesses that have enabled fraud, impersonation and the diversion of public resources within the Federal Government. While welcoming the forensic audit, HEDA urged the Federal Government to ensure that the exercise is conducted independently, transparently and without political interference. According to Suraju, the audit must not become another administrative exercise that produces reports without consequences. Its findings should provide a clear basis for institutional reforms, recovery of public funds and criminal accountability. “HEDA particularly calls on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to move swiftly on all evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigations. “Where individuals are found to have created fictitious agencies, falsified government records, impersonated public officials, facilitated ghost-worker schemes or unlawfully accessed public resources, they must be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he added. The group also urged the relevant prosecutorial authorities to ensure that cases arising from the investigations are diligently pursued to their logical conclusion. Those found guilty must face the full consequences of the law, while public funds established to have been fraudulently obtained must be traced and recovered. Beyond individual prosecutions, Suraju further demanded that the forensic audit result in concrete reforms to the government’s institutional architecture. Government must ensure that the exercise establishes not only who committed the offences, but also how the system allowed such conduct to occur and who enabled or failed to prevent it. HEDA further recommended that the outcome of the forensic audit, subject to legitimate security and investigative considerations, should be made sufficiently public to enable citizens to understand the scale of the problem and the measures being taken to address it.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA hails Court’s Final Forfeiture of Aisha Achimugu’s Assets, Urges Sustained Anti-Corruption Efforts 

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the Federal High Court’s order granting the final forfeiture of assets linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to the Federal Government, describing the judgment as a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.  Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the forfeiture of jewelry valued at N4.65 billion, 11 exotic vehicles worth N4.29 billion and $50,000 in cash following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).  HEDA in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anticorruption group commended the anti-graft agency for pursuing the case to its logical conclusion and lauded the judiciary for upholding the rule of law.   According to Suraju, the judgment demonstrates that anti-corruption institutions can achieve meaningful outcomes, whether with private or public persons, when investigations and prosecutions are conducted professionally and without undue interference.  He said the forfeiture should serve as a reminder that no individual, regardless of status or political connections, should be above the law.  “The court’s decision is capable of reinforcing public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption framework. Asset recovery must remain a key component of efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability in the management of public resources,” Suraju said.  The organisation urged the EFCC and other relevant agencies to sustain the momentum by ensuring that all recovered assets are transparently managed and deployed for projects that directly benefit Nigerians.  Suraju also called for consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, stressing that investigations and prosecutions should remain evidence-based and free from political considerations.  HEDA further urged public officials and politically exposed persons to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity in public service.  The organisation maintained that strengthening institutions, ensuring judicial independence and promoting transparency in asset recovery remain critical to sustaining Nigeria’s fight against corruption.  The judgment comes months after the same court ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, a company associated with Achimugu.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Commends EFCC’s Prosecution of Ngige, Urges Judiciary to Ensure Justice is Served

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its continued commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases involving public officials, following proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, over alleged procurement irregularities involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organisation described the prosecution as another important demonstration of the EFCC’s resolve to pursue accountability irrespective of the status of those involved. According to reports presented before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, an EFCC witness challenged claims that the former minister acted under a presidential directive in overseeing procurement activities at the NSITF. Documentary evidence, including correspondence from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), procurement records and contract award documents, was also tendered before the court as the trial continues. Mr. Ngige while serving as the minister of Labour defied the authority of the President in the appointment of renowned labour union leader, late Chief Frank Kokori and ensure the late activist never assumed office as the appointed Chairman of NSITF. Subsequent developments and revelations emerging from the EFCC investigations and prosecution have exposed the personal interest and mismanagement plan of the minister in that position which the presence of Kokori as chairman would have made difficult. The civil society group noted that corruption allegations involving the mismanagement of public resources deserve thorough judicial scrutiny. It maintained that public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts depends not only on diligent investigations but also on fair, transparent and timely judicial processes that allow the facts to be fully examined. “We commend the EFCC for remaining steadfast in the discharge of its statutory mandate. The Commission’s willingness to prosecute high-profile corruption cases sends a strong message that public office must never become a licence for impunity,” Suraju said. HEDA emphasised that every defendant is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. However, the organisation stressed that the seriousness of the allegations makes it imperative for the judicial process to proceed without undue delay or interference. The organisation therefore urged the judiciary to continue to uphold its independence by ensuring that justice is served strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence presented before the court. “The Nigerian judiciary occupies a critical position in the fight against corruption. This case presents another opportunity to reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Nigerians are closely monitoring the proceedings and expect a process that is impartial, transparent and guided solely by the rule of law,” Suraju added. HEDA reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in public institutions. The organisation pledged to continue monitoring corruption-related cases and advocating for stronger institutional reforms that promote good governance and safeguard public resources.

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CategoriesHEDA News

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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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.

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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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