CategoriesCompendium HEDA PublicationsDownload a copy of the 9th edition of A Compendium of 100 High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria with Notable High Profile Corruption Cases in Africa
CategoriesHEDA NewsThe Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLtd) to supply information regarding the emergency $3 billion “crude-for-cash” loan obtained by the company from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to the applicant, HEDA Resource Centre. Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1631/2023, brought on behalf of HEDA by Barr. Seidu Mohammed, Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favour of HEDA’s request for an order of mandamus, directing NNPC Limited to provide detailed information about the loan. Specifically, the Court ordered NNPC Limited to disclose the anticipated benefits of the $3 billion crude oil loan to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian economy as a whole, as well as the potential economic implications of the loan, encompassing both short-term and long-term effects on the Nigerian economy. The Court further ordered clarification on the specific oil grades or categories used in negotiating the loan exchange; the exchange rate applied under the terms of the agreement for crude oil repayment; and the quality of the oil being sold or used as collateral for the loan. The Court held that the information sought is simple and harmless, and that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited has no valid reason to deny HEDA access to the information under the Freedom of Information Act. “The Court does not agree that the disclosure of this simple information has the effect of harming any third-party interest in any way or affecting any contractual negotiation, most especially when there is nothing before the Court to show the harm it would cause.” “Moreover, Section 15(4) of the FOI Act, assuming without conceding that disclosure has the capacity to harm any third-party interest, gives this Court the power to weigh the harm against the public interest.” “The Court is of the view that, due to the nature of the transaction which has great economic impact on Nigerians, and the fact that the oil sector is the major backbone of the Nigerian economy, the Court cannot, in all honesty, decline the request of the applicant.” Reacting to the judgment, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the decision as a major win for transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria. “The judgement marks another milestone in HEDA’s demand for financial and projects transparency in the NNPC Limited. It also sets a precedent for public access to information on government projects and loan agreements. We expect the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to comply fully with the Court’s order and provide the required information in a timely manner.” HEDA also calls on all stakeholders, including the media and civil society organisations, to join in demanding accountability from public institutions and to support the fight against corruption and financial recklessness.
CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to submit himself to investigation and address allegations of corruption and abuse of office rather than “distracting Nigerians with claims of bias and persecution.” In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization reacted to Malami’s call for the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to step aside from an ongoing investigation involving him, describing the allegations of bias, vendetta and political persecution as an attempt to divert attention from substantive issues before the former Attorney General and Justice Minister. Meanwhile, HEDA noted that Malami, during his tenure as Attorney-General, failed to release or gazette the report of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, despite repeated public demands since the conclusion of the panels sitting. The anti-corruption organisation said the continued secrecy surrounding the report raises serious concerns about genuineness and credibility of both the panel and the government that constituted it. The group also pointed out that several individuals who were invited by, or allegedly indicted by, the Salami panel have since advanced in their professional careers. “Several individuals who were invited by Salami panel such as Ibrahim Magu, former Acting Chairman of the EFCC, returned to the Nigeria Police Force, rose to the rank of Assistant Inspector General, and retired honourably. Also, Barr. Rotimi Oyedepo became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and currently serving as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Suraju noted. According to HEDA, these developments reinforce widespread public perception that the panel was targeted at specific individuals rather than driven by genuine institutional reform. The organisation identified Ibrahim Magu, Rotimi Oyedepo and the current EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who served as Secretary to the commission, as the principal targets of Malami and by extension the inquiry, at the time. HEDA, the organisation behind the 2023 petition resulting in the investigation and subsequent arrest of Malami alleged that mission of the Salami panel was to target the trio: Magu for resisting interference from Malami in EFCC cases, Oyedepo for challenging the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers through a nolle prosequi in a case that was filed by EFCC under the Fiat of Lagos Attorney General in a case involving Abebe, and Olukoyede for challenging Malami in the usurpation of the power of Commission’s Secretary in his illegal disposal of recovered stolen assets. The Federal High Court, Lagos Division, agreed with HEDA in its challenge of Malami’s issued asset management guidelines at the time and declared the guidelines illegal, null and void. The organisation argued that following the removal of these individuals, the panel’s report was never released or gazetted, a development it said undermines Malami’s current reliance on the same process to support claims of persecution. HEDA called on Malami to stop undermining anti-corruption institutions and allow lawful investigations to proceed, stressing that accountability must take precedence over political considerations or personal grievances.
CategoriesHEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has honoured outstanding Nigerians whose lives and actions exemplify integrity, courage and accountability at the 8th edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA), held to mark the 2025 International Human Rights Day under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” The annual awards, instituted in memory of the late legal icon and human rights champion, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, continue to serve as a platform for recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to justice, transparency and the public good despite prevailing challenges in the country. Speaking at the event, Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the Gani Fawehinmi Awards as a moral reminder of the values Nigeria urgently needs—fearless resistance to corruption, principled leadership and unwavering defence of human rights. He noted that the 2025 edition was particularly significant as it aligned with the global focus on safeguarding rights in the face of rising inequality, civic repression and shrinking democratic spaces. Suraju stated that the stories of the award recipients reaffirm that integrity is neither outdated nor unattainable, but remains a powerful tool for national transformation. He also announced a new partnership between HEDA Resource Centre and the Gani Fawehinmi Students’ Chambers, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, which co-hosted the event. According to him, the collaboration underscores HEDA’s belief that nurturing integrity must begin with engaging young people through mentorship, inspiration and values-based leadership. At the ceremony, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida emerged as the winner of the Outstanding Integrity Award, while Barrister Olumide Kayode-Omosebi and Mr. Offiong Charles Ikpeme were named first and second runners-up respectively. In the Valuable Whistle Blower Award category, Pastor Nicholas Evaritus was announced as the winner, with Builder Kunle Awoodu emerging as first runner-up. For the Outstanding Impact Award, Hajiya Aishatu A’yan Guru Nahuce clinched the top honour, while Mary Ngozi Kekwaaru and Dayyabu Bala Gezawa emerged first and second runners-up respectively. The Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award was presented to Yetunde Abimbola-Alebiosu in recognition of her commitment to ethical leadership and national development. Suraju commended the MacArthur Foundation, nominees, awardees, civil society partners and members of the media for their continued support for the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards. “As we celebrate these exceptional Nigerians, we are reminded that integrity is not merely a personal virtue but the foundation upon which a just, fair and prosperous nation can be built,” he said, urging citizens to uphold human dignity, defend what is right and remain committed to accountability at all levels of society.
CategoriesHEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting integrity, justice and accountability in Nigeria. The organisation made the declaration at the 8th edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA), held in commemoration of the 2025 International Human Rights Day with the theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the awards as a moral compass that continues to remind the nation of the values exemplified by the late legal icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, including courage in the face of oppression, unwavering integrity and a lifelong commitment to justice and human rights. Suraju noted that the 2025 edition was significant as it aligns with the global theme of the International Human Rights Day, stressing that at a time of growing inequality, civic repression and widening social divisions, the defence of human rights and accountability has become more urgent than ever. He said the awards celebrate Nigerians who continue to resist corruption and uphold transparency, adding that the stories of the honourees demonstrate that integrity remains possible, powerful and impactful, even in challenging times. The HEDA chairman also announced a new partnership with the Gani Fawehinmi Students’ Chambers, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, which co-hosted the event. According to him, the collaboration reflects the belief that building a culture of integrity must begin with mentorship, youth engagement and early inspiration. Suraju commended the MacArthur Foundation, nominees, awardees, civil society partners and members of the media for their sustained support for the GFIIA. “As we honour these exceptional Nigerians, we must remember that integrity is not just a virtue but the foundation for national transformation,” he said, urging Nigerians to stand for what is right, defend human dignity and work towards a future defined by fairness, justice and opportunity. At the event, Dr Mrs. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida emerged winner of the Outstanding Integrity Award category, while Barrister Olumide Kayode-Omosebi and Mr Offiong Charles Ikpeme were named first and second runners-up respectively. In the Valuable Whistle Blower category, Pastor Nicholas Evaritus won the award, with Builder Kunle Awoodu as first runner-up. For the Outstanding Impact Award category, Hajiya Aishatu A’yan Guru Nahuce was announced as winner, while Mary Ngozi Kekwaaru and Dayyabu Bala Gezawa emerged first and second runners-up respectively. Yetunde Abimbola-Alebiosu won the Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award. Mary Ngozi Kekwaaru
CategoriesHEDA News– CSO Charges FG on deliberate sequencing and sustained political will to drive reforms The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has unveiled a new comprehensive report on petroleum environmental governance in Nigeria, providing a detailed roadmap for legal, policy, and institutional reforms in the country’s oil and gas sector. Released with support from the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), the report titled “Nigeria’s Petroleum-Environmental Governance: Law, Policy, and Reform Roadmap”, comes four years after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. It notes that despite the law’s promises of stronger governance, improved environmental protection, enhanced community development, and greater transparency, implementation has fallen short. Challenges such as weak enforcement, overlapping institutional mandates, poor compliance culture, and low community awareness continue to undermine the Act’s impact. HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the report was developed to address the persistent gap between Nigeria’s extensive legal frameworks and the realities in oil-producing communities. “The continuing issues around oil spill response, gas flaring, decommissioning obligations, host community development, and beneficial ownership transparency show that regulators, operators, communities, and civil society actors still lack the tools needed to drive accountability,” he said. To address these gaps, HEDA Resource Centre with the collaboration of Environmental Law Research Institute (ELRI) developed a Stakeholder Accountability Tool and a Simplified Policy Brief. These tools outline statutory obligations under the PIA and other environmental laws, highlight key lapses in implementation, and provide practical guidance to empower communities, civil society, media, and regulators to demand compliance and promote environmental stewardship. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s petroleum environmental governance landscape, examining legal frameworks, institutional structures, and operational mechanisms meant to ensure environmental prevention, mitigation, remediation, and accountability. It draws on doctrinal research, comparative benchmarking, and stakeholder feedback generated through surveys and interviews. According to the report findings, Nigeria already possesses the foundational elements of a world-class governance system. However, these elements remain fragmented. The study further calls for clearer institutional mandates, stronger enforcement mechanisms, recalibrated penalties, better management of environmental liabilities during divestment and decommissioning, and real-time public access to petroleum-environment data, including emissions, spills, remediation progress, and host community development funding. It also recommended modernizing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime to reflect climate realities and integrating host communities and credible civil society actors as active partners in monitoring the sector. Speaking on next steps, Suraju emphasized the need for “deliberate sequencing and sustained political will” to drive reforms. He highlighted priorities such as legislative updates, institutional integration, financial assurance systems, community oversight, capacity strengthening, and improved judicial and administrative efficiency. “With discipline, transparency, and collaboration, Nigeria can evolve from an extractive state to a responsible energy steward one that places environmental governance at the heart of sustainable prosperity,” he said. The publication reinforces HEDA’s longstanding commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and justice in Nigeria’s extractive sector. The organisation said it will continue advocating to ensure that the PIA and related governance frameworks translate into tangible benefits for citizens and frontline communities.
CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding a full investigation into an alleged money-laundering transaction involving former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In the petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the civil society organization referenced a report by The Nigeria Lawyer on 25 November 2025, which stated that Mr. Fayose admitted to giving former President Obasanjo $20,000 cash as “travel logistics” for attending his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos. The organisation noted that former President Obasanjo also publicly confirmed returning the money in cash. Meanwhile, HEDA maintained that the exchange constitutes a breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which limits cash transactions to ₦5 million for individuals and mandates that higher sums be conducted through financial institutions. The group noted that Section 19 of the Act prescribes penalties for violations. According to Suraju, the statements credited to both men amount to an admission of a financial transaction carried out in cash well beyond the legal threshold, therefore the development requires immediate and diligent investigation and prosecution. The civil group further urged the anti-graft agency to act swiftly, warning that failure to address the incident could undermine ongoing efforts to curb money laundering and de-dollarise the Nigerian economy. HEDA cited the recent conviction of Mr. Precious Uzondu for conducting business in foreign currency as an example of the Commission’s renewed enforcement drive. HEDA reiterated its commitment to accountability and called on the EFCC to demonstrate independence and uphold the rule of law by treating the allegation with the seriousness it deserves.
CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) on Tuesday unveiled the ninth edition of its Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria 2025, marking International Anti-Corruption Day with a renewed call for youth participation in building a transparent and accountable nation. Speaking at the event held at Shoregate Hotel, Ikeja GRA, HEDA Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, welcomed representatives from civil society, government agencies, media and youth organisations, saying their presence reflected a shared commitment to exposing graft and demanding accountability. He said this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” resonates with Nigeria because youths remain the country’s largest demographic and greatest resource for transformative leadership. Arigbabu stressed that corruption weakens institutions, frustrates development and denies citizens especially the vulnerable access to justice and basic services. He said the 2025 Compendium captures concluded and ongoing cases, asset forfeitures, judicial delays, political interference and landmark interventions, while also profiling corruption cases across Africa. Arigbabu urged media professionals, civil society groups and young Nigerians to use the publication for research, advocacy, enlightenment and reform. In a goodwill message, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians to become frontline advocates against corruption. Representing the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu (SAN), Mrs. Mary Omonoyan described the theme as strategically relevant, noting that youths are not only future leaders but present-day influencers. She highlighted youth-focused programmes of the Commission such as essay competitions, NYSC sensitisation, anti-corruption clubs in secondary schools and student vanguards in tertiary institutions. She said these initiatives help thousands of young Nigerians internalise ethics and accountability, while series such as ICPC’s Integrity Lectures and Youth Dialogues encourage constructive engagement and behaviour change. Former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Muhyi Magaji, delivered the keynote address, urging youths to embrace honesty, fairness, courage, and responsibility. Sharing his experiences of intimidation and arrest during his anti-graft efforts, he said his work included blocking transactions totalling over N700 million involving the Kano Agricultural Supply Company and seizing assets allegedly diverted. He insisted that Nigeria’s future stability depends on strengthening institutions rather than weakening them for political convenience. According to him, corruption lies at the heart of governance failures affecting unemployment, healthcare and public services. He urged youths to reject corruption as a survival model and reminded them that “integrity pays, no matter what happens.” Reviewing the Compendium, social critic Mr. Adeola Soetan said although the book is “beautiful in concept, vision and purpose,” it reveals “the beauty of an ugly compact,” exposing how deeply corruption has infiltrated public systems. Soetan observed that corruption cuts across ethnic, religious and professional lines, uniting Nigerians in ways ethnicity and religion fail to do. He noted widespread complicity, involving doctors, lawyers, accountants, media practitioners and even self-acclaimed activists. Soetan criticised judicial delays, particularly when judges are elevated or transferred after presiding over cases for years, forcing trials to restart and diminishing public interest. He urged media organisations to follow corruption cases beyond arraignment and insisted that anger alone cannot solve the problem unless citizens act responsibly. The National Orientation Agency, represented by Mrs. Zandra Eguavoen, praised HEDA’s commitment to accountability and transparency, describing the event as a powerful civic engagement that advances ethical conduct across public and private sectors. The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, represented by Mrs. Oluwakemi Peter, commended HEDA for creating an indispensable reference tool that aids understanding of the magnitude of corruption in Nigeria. She said corruption undermines consumer rights, economic growth and public trust, and called for collective responsibility in addressing it. A youth panel rounded off the event with reflections on why young people must champion Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. A representative of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Froum Ikeja branch, Chinwe Anyanwu, said youths must be guided by strong values and encouraged by role models in authority. Chairman of the National Youth Council, Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Adigun Olalekan, emphasised the need for intentional youth involvement in national policies and outlined the Council’s transparency initiatives, including public presentation of audited accounts. Lagos State University law student, Abdullahi Adesina, said education remains the strongest tool for instilling integrity, while University of Lagos law student, Peter Ajuri, reminded youths that corruption starts in everyday behaviour and honesty is required not merely for society’s benefit but as a fundamental moral obligation. The gathering ended with a shared call for a renewed culture of accountability, with participants affirming that Nigeria can only rise if integrity becomes a celebrated national value rather than a risky exception.
CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA NewsThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) Executive Secretary Sulaimon Arigbabu, has said the unveiling of the ninth edition of the compendium reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. Arigbabu described corruption as “not merely a financial crime but a development crisis” that erodes public trust and deprives citizens of essential services. He encouraged youths, lawyers, media professionals, and civil society actors to use the compendium as a tool for advocacy, research, and public enlightenment. Similarly, speaking on the broader context of corruption, Adeola Soetan, a public affairs analyst, described Nigeria’s corruption landscape as “both beautiful and awkward” during the compendium presentation. He cited high-profile cases, including embezzlement by public officials and business leaders, and underscored systemic issues such as judicial delays, political interference, and technical legal manoeuvres that allow perpetrators to evade accountability. He praised whistleblowers, civil society, and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC for their roles in exposing malpractices. Representatives of key institutions also delivered goodwill messages. Nita Chikura, representing ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged stronger youth involvement, citing programmes such as Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools and Student Anti-Corruption Vanguards in tertiary institutions. Zandra Eguavoen of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) highlighted the role of youths in national value renewal and civic responsibility, while Oluwakemi Peters of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) called for collective action across sectors to combat corruption and protect consumer rights. Mary Omonoyan of ICPC further encouraged youths to adopt innovative approaches, using digital platforms and tech initiatives to expose corrupt acts, promote accountability, and foster social responsibility. She also warned against prioritising material wealth over civic and moral obligations, urging parents and communities to instil ethical values in children from an early age. Concluding the event, stakeholders agreed that corruption can only be effectively tackled through collective engagement, ethical leadership, and practical initiatives. They reaffirmed the centrality of Nigerian youths in driving a culture of integrity and shaping a corruption-free future.
CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA NewsIn his keynote address at the unveiling of the 9th edition of 100 High-Profile corruption cases in Nigeria by HEDA Resource Centre, former Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Muhyi Magaji urged Nigerian youths to champion integrity in the fight against corruption. Speaking on the theme, “Youth as Catalysts of Integrity: Building a Corruption-Free Future for Nigeria,” Mr. Magaji said high unemployment and limited opportunities often encourage tolerance for corrupt practices. He encouraged youths to embrace honesty, fairness, and civic responsibility and use education and social media to strengthen transparency. “Integrity pays. No matter what. No matter how long,” Mr. Magaji said, calling for active youth participation in national development and anti-corruption efforts. The event drew civil society leaders, government representatives, legal practitioners, media professionals, and youth advocates. A panel of youth leaders and law students echoed this message, emphasising the critical role of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s future leadership. Moderated by Mayowa Shobo of HEDA, the panel featured Anyawu Chinwe of the Lagos State Young Lawyers Association, Adigun Olalekan of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, and law students Abdullahi Adesina and Ajiri Peter from the Lagos State University and the University of Lagos, respectively. The panel highlighted that youths, who constitute 60 to 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population, are uniquely positioned to influence governance and serve as advocates for transparency. Ms. Anyawu stressed the importance of positive role models, saying, “If they are involved in politics from now, they are going to be in front of the leaders in the future.” Similarly, Mr. Adesina emphasised ethics education as a means to guide youths toward corruption-free leadership, while Mr. Peter pointed out that corruption exists in everyday actions, including favouritism, queue-jumping, and abuse of office. The panellists also linked economic empowerment to anti-corruption efforts, noting that unemployment and financial hardship often push youths into unethical survival strategies. Ms. Anyawu advised young people to define personal boundaries and rely on moral guidance from family and religious institutions. Mr. Olalekan encouraged youth training and skills development initiatives as platforms for self-reliance.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.
