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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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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Condemns Tinubu’s Intervention in EFCC’s Osun Account Investigation

Calls for Respect for EFCC’s Independence, Judicial Process  The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation involving suspicious transactions in the accounts of the Osun State Government.      In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption civil society organisation said the President’s directive to the EFCC to lift the restriction on the accounts raises serious concerns about the operational independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and undermines the principle that enforcement decisions should be subject to due process and judicial review. The group noted that the anti-graft commission has a statutory responsibility under Section 6 of the EFCC Act 2024 to prevent, investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes. It said where credible intelligence or evidence suggests that public funds are at risk of diversion or misuse, the Commission should be allowed to take lawful preventive measures while investigations are ongoing. “Public money does not belong to any governor, political party or administration. It belongs to the people,” Suraju said, stressing that where an EFCC enforcement action is considered excessive or unlawful, the appropriate avenue for redress is the court, rather than presidential intervention. The civil society organisation said the restriction of accounts is intended to prevent the movement of potentially compromised funds while investigations are conducted, noting that “you cannot investigate a moving target.” HEDA cited previous EFCC similar interventions, including the restriction of Edo State Government accounts during the last governorship election following petitions and intelligence relating to alleged contract inflation and diversion of federal allocations. It said the intervention reportedly helped preserve about N12 billion pending a forensic audit. It also recalled the EFCC’s 2021 court-backed restriction of a Kogi State salary bailout account containing more than N20 billion, stressing that such measures are intended to protect public resources and not to shut down government. According to HEDA, the law empowers the EFCC to take preventive action where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that public funds may be moved or misappropriated. It cited Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and Section 34 of the EFCC Establishment Act as part of the legal framework supporting such action. The organisation warned that presidential intervention in a specific ongoing enforcement action could create the perception that anti-corruption investigations are subject to political control, particularly when the affected state is governed by an opposition party and an election is approaching. HEDA urged all political actors to refrain from turning anti-corruption institutions into instruments of electoral competition, stressing that the political affiliation of a government should not determine whether public resources are protected. “Where public money is threatened, the law should protect it. Where an anti-corruption agency exceeds its authority, the courts should correct it. But when political authorities determine which specific enforcement actions anti-corruption agencies pursue or reverse, the credibility and independence of the entire anti-corruption system are undermined,” HEDA said. The organisation called on the EFCC to continue any legitimate investigation into the Osun State accounts and prosecute anyone found culpable of diverting or misusing public funds, irrespective of political affiliation. HEDA said the controversy goes beyond Osun State, arguing that Nigeria needs anti-corruption institutions capable of protecting public resources without fear, favour or political interference. “The President should strengthen anti-corruption institutions, not determine the outcome of individual enforcement actions. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing,” Suraju said.

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CategoriesShell Nigeria Pollution Report

Nigeria: Shell documents expose basket pipeline, missing wells and US$10.9bn decommissioning costs as pollution scandal grows

Nigeria: Shell documents expose ‘basket’ pipeline, ‘missing’ wells and US$10.9bn decommissioning costs as pollution scandal grows Photo by Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Shell must answer for decades of pollution in the Niger Delta after internal company documents revealed broken rules, failing infrastructure and unresolved clean-up costs that risk leaving affected communities to pay the price, a coalition of human rights and environmental organisations, including Amnesty International, said today in a new report. The report, Nigeria: Lifting the Lid, analyses internal Shell emails, audits, presentations and confidential reviews disclosed in UK legal proceedings, revealing a wider human rights scandal than previously reported. While Shell presented its operations as meeting global standards, the documents point to concerns raised by the Nigerian army over alleged complicity in oil theft, suspected staff and contractor collusion, exemptions from safety standards, chronic neglect of known pipeline integrity risks, missing well data, weak leak detection and flawed spill monitoring. Shell knew the risks from ageing and leaking infrastructure, including an old pipeline internally described as “a basket” [case], yet kept oil flowing. It later decided to divest its onshore business rather than face the enormous cost of clean-up and decommissioning, including an internal US$10.9 billion decommissioning estimate. A separate internal presentation stated that 375km² of mangrove forest had been harmed by pollution. Amnesty International wrote to Shell on 3 July 2026 to share its findings related to the disclosed documents. In response to Amnesty’s report, Shell wrote that: “The characterisation and portrayal of Shell in your letter is not one we recognise. Shell is committed to honesty, integrity and respect for people, and to conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner.” Shell says that the findings do not reflect the “challenging operating environment in the Niger Delta at the time”. Their full response is included in the report. “Shell has long blamed oil theft and sabotage for pollution in the Niger Delta. But these documents cut through years of denial and raise grave questions about what Shell knew, what it allowed to continue, and whether it then sought to walk away from the costs of its toxic legacy,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “The scandal was not simply illegal ‘bunkering’ or oil theft. The real scandal is Shell’s pursuit of profit at the expense of people’s rights. Shell was willing to accept further environmental damage in Nigeria that would not have been tolerated elsewhere, and years of public denial are now challenged by its own documents.” The real scandal is Shell’s pursuit of profit at the expense of people’s rights. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria The report is published by Amnesty International together with The Corner House, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre, Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), Recommon and Social Action. For affected communities, the findings confirm what many have said for decades: oil pollution has damaged water, farmland, fisheries, health and livelihoods, while companies continued to profit and deny responsibility. “Shell cannot be allowed to take the oil, take the profits and leave the pollution behind. Communities in the Niger Delta deserve truth, justice, clean-up and full remedy,” said Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre, a Nigerian governance and environmental justice NGO. Concerns over role in oil theft, broken rules and failing infrastructure The documents show that even while Shell blamed criminal gangs for oil theft, senior staff allowed illegal taps to remain on pipelines because removing them would “take considerable system downtime”, meaning the temporary suspension of profitable crude oil flows. One senior Shell manager wrote in 2013 that this had led the Nigerian security force responsible for pipeline security to accuse Shell of being “complicit” in oil theft “because we are not removing the bunkering points.” A Shell presentation that year, referring to the effects of the illegal tapping, asked: “are we comfortable to continue producing, KNOWING that further environmental damage WILL occur?” The report also reveals that Shell exempted its Nigerian subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from key elements of its global health and safety standards so oil could continue flowing through tampered pipelines, even when not deemed safe under Shell’s own safety rules. This was an approach one senior Shell executive appeared to acknowledge would not be tolerated elsewhere. Internal documents additionally show Shell executives suspected staff and contractors may have been involved in oil theft, with one email warning: “we have to work on the assumption that the bunkerers get good access to SPDC planning data.” Internal audits further exposed serious weaknesses in Shell’s pipeline management, including a major maintenance backlog, weak oversight systems, and poor records on pipeline clamps that Shell had allowed to become permanent repairs on leaking pipelines. More than 1,600 clamps were registered, including older clamps whose locations were unknown. A 2012 technical review also found that SPDC flowlines were supposed to be replaced every 15 years, but this was “not being followed” and only “breakdown maintenance” was being applied. Shell cannot be allowed to take the oil, take the profits and leave the pollution behind. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre ‘Missing’ oil wells, weak monitoring and flawed spill monitoring An internal report in 2014 to Shell’s then CEO said there were “hundreds” of SPDC onshore wells that were either missing from its electronic well-tracking system or whose condition could not be verified. Shell later launched a “well hunt campaign”, which identified 750 overdue maintenance tasks that contributed to an “unsatisfactory” audit rating. A 2013 report also found that SPDC’s pipelines had no real-time monitoring system, despite the fact that quickly detecting spills and limiting contamination is key to reducing pollution. Without such monitoring, anything short of a major rupture could go unnoticed. “A fossil fuel giant that could not verify the location and integrity of hundreds of wells and pipeline clamps, and lacked effective leak detection, cannot credibly claim it had pollution under control. Shell must stop deflecting blame,” said Dr Emem Okon from Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, a Nigeria-based group promoting women’s

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Demands Probe into Alleged PFIPC Budget Allocation, Seeks Full Public Disclosure 

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for a thorough and independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following reports that more than ₦1 billion was appropriated for the body in the 2026 national budget despite official denials by the Presidency on the existence of the office.  In a statement signed and issued by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group maintained that the controversy has transcended the actions of any individual and now requires a comprehensive public inquiry and explanation from the Federal Government.  The anti-corruption organisation described the development as a serious governance issue that raises questions about the credibility of Nigeria’s government operations, budgetary process and the management of public resources.  “If the Presidency maintains that the PFIPC does not exist, Nigerians deserve to know how an allocation for the council found its way into the 2026 Appropriation Act.  The public has a right to know who proposed the allocation, the government institutions that processed and approved it, and whether any public funds have been released or committed considering the secondment of public servants to the office.” Suraju added.   The group further noted that transparency and accountability remain the bedrock of democratic governance, stressing that every budgetary allocation must be backed by legitimate legal and administrative processes.  “This controversy presents an opportunity for the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to openness by making all relevant information available to the public. The integrity of the national budget is fundamental to public trust. Any uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of government institutions or public expenditure weakens confidence in governance and raises avoidable concerns about fiscal accountability,” Suraju stated.  The organisation further warned that unresolved questions surrounding the alleged council could have broader implications for Nigeria’s investment climate, as both domestic and international investors consider institutional transparency an important factor in assessing governance and economic stability.  HEDA therefore urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately publish all documents relating to the alleged PFIPC, including the origin of the budget proposal, the approval process, any expenditure connected to the allocation, and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.  HEDA called on the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and other oversight institutions to carry out an independent investigation into the matter and make their findings public.  “Nigerians deserve a full and credible explanation. Every appropriation in the national budget must be traceable, lawful and subject to public scrutiny. Strengthening accountability in public finance is essential to restoring confidence in government institutions and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system,” the statement concluded.

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CategoriesHEDA News

Total’s divestment from Nigeria: Four organizations demand transparency

Following Total’s announcement that it is selling part of its oil assets in the Niger Delta, Friends of the Earth France, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre and Social Action, supported by Corner House and ReCommon, are taking legal action against the parent company of the group. The organizations are seeking to obtain documents that will shed light on the terms of the proposed transaction, as the provisions of the agreement are currently unclear. Whilst the Niger Delta is known to have been ravaged by oil exploitation, no information has been made public regarding the guarantees provided concerning the management of environmental damage and compensation for those affected. The documents, requested under pre-trial summary proceedings, would enable the organizations to verify whether Total has complied with its Duty of Vigilance under French law. The Niger Delta ravaged by decades of oil extraction The Niger Delta is now considered one of the “most polluted places on Earth”[1]. Water is unfit for consumption; fisheries have been destroyed; and land has been rendered uncultivable. The volume of hydrocarbons spilled in the area by all oil companies between 1958 and 2010 is estimated at approximately “9 to 13 million barrels”. This is equivalent to approximately 35 to 50 times the volume of oil spilled during the Exxon Valdez tanker disaster in Alaska.  This case is about people, not just oil assets. It is about children growing up with poisoned water, families breathing polluted air, and communities losing their health and livelihoods while international oil companies walk away with decades of profits. These communities must not be treated as corporate sacrifice zones. France’s Duty of Vigilance Law requires Total to demonstrate that its divestment does not further infringe the human rights of people in its oil and gas extraction sites by ensuring adequate remediation. Dr. Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka, Director, Social Action A gradual withdrawal that risks jeopardizing clean-up efforts The oil companies Total, Shell and ENI – which have historically operated in the region – are withdrawing one after the other, leaving the affected communities in uncertainty about their future. In March 2025, Shell sold its subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to Renaissance Africa Energy. SPDC was the operator of the onshore oil and gas assets owned by the SPDC joint venture (now renamed “JV Renaissance”), which has contributed significantly to the massive oil pollution in the Niger Delta over the last thirty years. The joint venture, in which Total has a 10 per cent share is now operated by Renaissance African Energy. In January 2026, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria signed an agreement to sell its stake in the Renaissance JV to a Nigerian consortium, Vaaris. In May 2026, ENI also announced the sale of its stake. This withdrawal by the major European oil companies, carried out with a complete lack of transparency, is a cause of serious concern for those most directly affected, as well as for local and international organizations: no information has been provided regarding the existence of guarantees concerning the remediation of polluted areas and compensation for those affected. The clean-up of the region could be jeopardized as a result. ”Total served on the international board of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).  So it can’t say it doesn’t understand the public interest, and its own obligation to be transparent about such transactions.  We asked Patrick Pouyanné about the deal at this year’s AGM, but all we got back were smoke and mirror claims – just what has Total got to hide?” Simon Taylor, co-founder of Hawkmoth “The UN working groups and Mandate holders have categorized the 2024-2025 divestment shenanigans as experiments in divestment without clean-up. The lack of financial capacity to take over assets of SPDC without loan from Shell by Renaissance and inability of Chappal to consummate the take of Total share of SPDC after several extensions of deadlines goes to lack of capacity for liabilities take over by the new buyers”. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair of HEDA Resource Centre Fossil fuel companies must ensure responsible divestment from their operations Whilst fossil fuel companies reap considerable profits from their activities, they all too often refuse to take responsibility for the legacy of pollution they leave behind. After they have left, local communities remain exposed to long-term health risks and the loss of their livelihoods, with no prospect of redress. Today, Friends of the Earth France, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre and Social Action are taking Total to court in France to seek clarification on the terms of its intended divestment from the Renaissance JV. Under the French Duty of Vigilance Law, Total is required to take the necessary measures to identify risks and prevent serious breaches of human rights and environmental damage resulting from Renaissance JV’s operation and the proposed divestment of Total’s share. The documents requested would enable us to verify whether the company has in fact complied with this obligation. Oil companies are organizing their divestment with a complete lack of transparency. Following Shell’s withdrawal in 2025, Total’s departure is heightening uncertainty amongst the affected communities: who will fund the clean-up once the major European oil companies have left, taking years of profits with them? CAMILLE GRANDPERRINlitigation officer at Friends of theEarth France

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CategoriesHEDA News

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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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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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.

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CategoriesHEDA Publications

Climate Adaptation Finance in Nigeria: Accountability Gaps in the Ecological Fund (HEDA Report)

Enhancing Accountability in Climate Adaptation Finance in Nigeria: Synthesis Report and Case Studies on Ecological Fund This report by HEDA Resource Centre provides a detailed analysis of climate adaptation financing in Nigeria, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of the Ecological Fund. As climate challenges continue to impact vulnerable communities across the country, the need for responsible financial management and measurable outcomes has become more urgent than ever. Drawing from field research, case studies, and policy review, the report highlights key gaps in the management of ecological funds, including issues of misallocation, weak oversight, and limited public access to information. It also showcases real-life cases that demonstrate both the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that climate adaptation resources reach the communities that need them most. Beyond identifying problems, the report offers practical recommendations for strengthening governance frameworks, improving monitoring systems, and promoting citizen engagement in tracking climate finance. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens who are committed to advancing environmental justice and sustainable development in Nigeria. Download Full Report Here

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Muhammed Adoke CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA News

No Victory for Adoke, Says HEDA as Court Dismisses Libel Suit on Technical Grounds

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court dismissing the libel suit filed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, over allegations linked to the OPL 245 case. In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organization described the ruling as “no victory for Adoke,” noting that the court did not affirm the substance of the forgery allegations contained in his petition to the police. According to synchronised media reports emerging from the stable of The Cable online platform, the court dismissed the suit on the ground that Suraju was not expressly named in Adoke’s petition requesting an investigation into alleged forgery of materials used in proceedings in Milan and London. The court held that because Suraju’s name did not appear in the petition, the legal ingredients required to establish defamation were not satisfied. Reacting to the decision, HEDA stated that it welcomes the judgment, emphasising that the court did not embarrass itself by ruling that Adoke’s fantasies of forgery were truthful, even though Adoke had tried to make that argument before the Nigerian Police – despite the email having clearly emanated, as affirmed by the London Metropolitan Police, from an email account of his crony Abubakar Aliyu. The group further stressed that the ruling was based strictly on technical considerations relating to naming and identification, not on validation of the allegations. HEDA further maintained that Adoke in his Motion of Notice denied his frivolous and concocted allegations that Mr. Suraju and HEDA forged the RAI tape and the agroupproperties email. Instead, he argued that he never identified Lanre by name in the Petition to the Police, the implication presumably being that a person who is not named cannot suffer defamation and further dissociated himself from his own handwritten adoption statement with the police to the contrary. The civil organisation also challenged Adoke to publicly clarify the identity of the individual or individuals he accused in his petition. “The judgment has raised a question for Adoke: are you brave enough to come out into the open?” the statement read, urging him to state clearly who he believes was responsible for the alleged forgery. Meanwhile, contrary to the vain labour of The Cable online platform to rewrite history on the phantom charges preferred against our Chairman being withdrawn on political expediency of the London case, the fact of the matter was that of concocted charges of cybercrime hurriedly and poorly put together by “fantastically corrupt” immediate past Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, who David Cameron must have had in mind when describing Nigeria in that ignoble terms, in collaboration with a desperate Adoke and some corrupted police officers, contrary to Adoke’s forgery allegation in his petition. “The impressive defence legal team of Mr. Suraju led my Dr. Muiz Banire SAN put forward a robust defence, including the subpoena of Adoke and Malami as witness, leading to Malami and Adoke running tail in limbs to withdraw the charges.” the statement added. Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, HEDA stated that the dismissal of the suit does not alter its long-standing position on the OPL 245 transaction or its broader anti-corruption advocacy. The organisation pledged to continue defending its integrity and to pursue all lawful avenues in the public interest.

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