HEDA wants N30b Ibadan explosion funds investigated
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, over their failure to account for the spending of billions of naira of public funds in the name of ‘security votes’ by them since May 29, 2023 to guarantee and ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.

The suit followed reports of the Benue massacre and well-documented ongoing cases of insecurity in several states and the FCT, despite the over N400 billion budgeted yearly as ‘security votes.’ 10 governors reportedly budgeted about N140 billion as security votes in 2026.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/95/2026 filed at the weekend, SERAP is asking the court to direct and compel the governors and Wike to disclose the details of the spending of security votes by them since May 29, 2023, to date, which are intended to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.

SERAP is also asking the court to compel the governors and Mr Wike to provide detailed reports on the allocation and spending of security votes by their states and the FCT, including the information on implementation status and completion reports, and the plans, if any, for improving the security infrastructure in the states and FCT.

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that Nigerians ought to know in what manner public funds, including security votes meant to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians, are spent by the governors and the FCT minister.

The body is arguing that the escalating insecurity in several states and the FCT is taking a devastating toll on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians, driving up extreme poverty, intensifying hunger and leading to other grave human rights violations.

MEANWHILE, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation into the 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, addressed to EFCC Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, the organisation alleged that the Federal Government released N30 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 December 28, 2025. Fayose subsequently released documents, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated August 29, 2024, which he claimed showed evidence of the fund release.

According to the group, only about N4.5 billion intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30 billion 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.

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.