The decision of the Oyo State Government to approach the Federal High Court for clarification on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) demand for copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors between 2021 and 2025 is not an attempt to forestall investigation because neither the state government nor Governor Seyi Makinde has anything to hide.
Governor Makinde’s administration has managed state finances with prudence, which is why it has successfully constructed more roads, rehabilitated more Primary Healthcare Centres, increased access to qualitative education, employed more civil servants, paid salaries and pensions regularly, empowered more citizens, and built a business-friendly environment unmatched by any administration since 1999. The facts speak for themselves.
The EFCC had written to the state’s Accountant General requesting copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors from 2021 to the date of its letter. Because this was a blanket request, the state government asked the Commission to specify the contractors or companies under investigation so that relevant documents could be provided. When the EFCC failed to respond, the state approached the Federal High Court to determine whether such a sweeping demand was lawful.
The court acknowledged the EFCC’s statutory powers to investigate financial crimes but ruled that the Commission’s demand was speculative and amounted to a fishing expedition.
Justice Nkeonye Maha, who presided over the matter, set aside the EFCC’s letter dated 2 June 2025, and declared that any request by the Commission must be reasonable and tied to specific allegations.
The judge emphasized that Section 38 of the EFCC Act empowers the Commission to demand information only for the investigation of offences under the Act, not for speculative or roving inquiries.
Therefore, seeking judicial interpretation of the EFCC’s powers is neither cowardice nor an act of fear. Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government are not afraid of the EFCC or any other federal agency. The state’s account books will be made available whenever a proper and lawful request is made.
The APC’s claim that Governor Makinde’s decision to seek judicial intervention amounts to avoiding investigation is both misleading and legally unfounded. Resorting to the courts is not an admission of guilt but a constitutional right guaranteed under Nigerian law. The judiciary exists to interpret the scope of institutional powers and protect against overreach.
