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₦30B Controversy: EFCC Summons Governor Makinde.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged mismanagement, diversion, and criminal breach of trust concerning ₦30 billion released by the Federal Government to Oyo State following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The petition, dated January 5, 2026, was signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju and addressed to EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.
HEDA sought clarification on the status and utilisation of the ₦30 billion, which was intended for victim compensation, reconstruction of the affected Bodija area, and emergency relief. The group expressed concern that only about ₦4.5 billion was reportedly disbursed for relief and compensation, while the remaining funds allegedly remain unaccounted for.
“The organisation is concerned that only about ₦4.5 billion intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire ₦30 billion remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition read.
The petition comes amid public controversy sparked by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who claimed in a national television interview that ₦50 billion was released to Oyo State for victims and reconstruction of Old Bodija. The Oyo State Government, however, clarified that it received ₦30 billion—not ₦50 billion—and that the funds were untouched pending the release of the remaining ₦20 billion.
Explosion victims have since demanded the immediate release of the ₦30 billion to supplement earlier compensation, which they deemed insufficient. Previously, the state disclosed that ₦4.085 billion had been disbursed to victims, while ₦24.6 billion was spent from its own resources on reconstruction and environmental restoration of the Bodija area.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, maintained that the ₦30 billion remains untouched and dismissed the renewed controversy as politically motivated.
“The Oyo State Government stands by the comprehensive statement issued on the unfortunate incident. It’s 2026, the eve of the 2027 general elections. We are aware of the narratives and remain prepared,” Oyelade said.
In its petition, HEDA further raised concerns over transparency and accountability, alleging that the ₦30 billion has been kept in a commercial bank accruing interest for over a year without public disclosure. The group urged the EFCC to compel the state government to provide a transparent account of the funds, their utilisation, and any remaining 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,” the petition stated.
While acknowledging that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution grants immunity from prosecution to a sitting governor, HEDA stressed that such immunity does not preclude investigation into the management of public funds.
“Constitutional immunity does not preclude investigation, particularly in issues relating to accountability and the management of public resources,” the group said.
HEDA therefore urged the EFCC to conduct a “thorough, impartial, and professional investigation” into the receipt, management, and utilisation of all federal intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has argued that the North is not disadvantaged in Nigeria’s power-sharing arrangement under democratic rule.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the statement during an interview on Arise Television, where he spoke on zoning, fairness, and political balance in the country.
He noted that since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, the South has held the presidency for about 18 years, while the North has governed for roughly 10 years.
According to him, this should be taken into account when discussing which region has benefited more from the country’s power rotation system. He also maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the only major political party with zoning clearly embedded in its constitution.
“The South has governed for 18 years and the North for 10. So who is really in deficit if we are being fair? Even more broadly, the only party with zoning formally entrenched is the PDP,” he said.
Atiku also recalled the constitutional conference held during the military era under General Sani Abacha, where he led a group that opposed the inclusion of rotational presidency in the constitution.
He said the proposal, championed by the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, was rejected at the time because his group had majority support among delegates.
According to him, Ekwueme later acknowledged that the decision may not have been ideal during his funeral years later. Atiku added that he now believes a rotational system, if adopted earlier, could have ensured a more balanced distribution of power across Nigeria’s regions.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken about the source of his wealth, saying it was built long before he entered politics through years of business investments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he explained that his fortune came from ventures across logistics, real estate, agriculture, education, and the oil and gas sector.
He said he was already a fully established businessman before joining politics and had interests spread across different parts of the economy.
According to him, his financial background has never been in doubt because of how his wealth was acquired.
Atiku also recalled his role in the early formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that he was among its key founders and also contributed financially to its establishment.
He further noted that during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a panel was set up to investigate his activities. He said the panel included figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu, and that he allowed the process to proceed without relying on his immunity.
“I made my money through business before joining politics. I invested in oil and gas, logistics, agriculture and other sectors,” he said.
“I was already established in business before I came into politics.”
“I played a major role in setting up the PDP and contributed financially to its formation.”
“No one accused me of corruption because my sources of income were clear.”
“A panel was set up to investigate me, and I allowed it to go ahead without hiding behind immunity,” he added.
Atiku remains active in Nigerian politics and is currently seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted approval for a fresh legal move seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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