The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a formal petition calling for an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N30 billion in federal intervention funds released to Oyo State following the tragic Bodija explosion in Ibadan in January 2024.
Petition Alleges Diversion of Relief Funds
The petition was filed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), an anti-corruption non-governmental organisation. In the document addressed to EFCC Chairman Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede and signed by HEDA's Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, the group raised serious concerns about the handling of the money meant for victim compensation, reconstruction, and emergency relief.
HEDA alleges "diversion, misapplication and criminal breach of trust" regarding the substantial fund. The organisation claims that only approximately N4.5 billion of the total N30 billion has been verifiably applied to relief and compensation efforts for the victims of the explosion.
The petition questions why the bulk of the funds have reportedly been kept in a commercial bank, accruing interest for over a year, without a clear public accounting of their status or intended use.
Oyo State Government's Firm Rebuttal
In a swift response, the Oyo State Government has maintained its position that the federal intervention funds remain untouched. The state's Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, reiterated the government's earlier statement, asserting that the N30 billion is intact.
Oyelade clarified that the state government received N30 billion and is awaiting the remaining N20 billion. He stated that the government had, from its own resources, spent N24.6 billion on addressing the aftermath in Bodija and its environment. Furthermore, he confirmed that the state had disbursed N4.085 billion in direct support and compensation to the affected victims.
The Commissioner framed the petition within the political context, noting, "It’s 2026, the eve of the 2027 general elections. We understand and we are ready." This statement suggests the administration views the allegations as politically motivated.
Immunity Does Not Bar Investigation, Says HEDA
While acknowledging the constitutional immunity enjoyed by sitting governors from prosecution, HEDA's petition strongly emphasises that this immunity does not prevent a thorough investigation into the management of public resources.
"Constitutional immunity does not preclude investigation, particularly in issues relating to accountability and the management of public resources," the group stated. They urged the EFCC to launch an impartial and professional probe into the receipt, management, and utilisation of all federal intervention funds linked to the Bodija disaster.
HEDA contends that the allegations, if true, point to potential offences of corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, criminal breach of trust, and possible money laundering—all falling squarely within the EFCC's mandate.
The call for investigation adds to the public furore sparked by comments from former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who had earlier claimed in a television interview that N50 billion was released to Oyo State for the crisis.
The EFCC is now expected to review the petition and decide on the next course of action, which could include a formal investigation into the financial handling of the disaster relief funds.
