The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion, misapplication, and criminal breach of trust involving Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
In a petition signed by HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the civil society organisation alleged that the Federal Government released ₦30 billion to the Oyo State Government for victims’ compensation, reconstruction, and emergency relief after the deadly explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties.
HEDA noted that the release of the funds was first publicly alleged by former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during a national television broadcast, and later reiterated in a statement on 28 December 2025. Fayose subsequently released documents, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated 29 August 2024, which he claimed showed evidence of the fund release.
According to the civil group, only about ₦4.5 billion intervention funds was reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30b was unaccounted for. The organisation further alleged that the fund was held in a commercial bank at interest for over a year without public disclosure by the Oyo State Government, leaving the utilisation and status of the funds unclear.
“We at HEDA expressed concern that the state government had allegedly failed to provide transparent public disclosure or a comprehensive account of the total intervention funds received, how they were spent, and the status of any unspent balance.”
“These allegations raise serious concerns bordering on corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, criminal breach of trust, and possible money laundering, all of which fall within the statutory mandate of the EFCC.” Suraju added.
While noting that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution grants immunity from prosecution to a sitting governor, HEDA stressed that such immunity does not prevent investigations, particularly regarding public funds and accountability.
HEDA therefore called on the EFCC to conduct a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation into the receipt, management, and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.
The organisation said the petition was submitted in good faith and in the overriding public interest, urging the anti-graft agency to act urgently to uphold public confidence and accountability in the management of public resources.
