Court Stops EFCC From ‘Speculative Investigation’ Of Oyo’s Finances

A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from proceeding with its planned investigation into the finances of the Oyo State government, describing the exercise as speculative.

Delivering judgment in suit FHC/IB/CS/61/2025, filed by the state government, Justice Nkeonye Maha acknowledged the EFCC’s powers to investigate financial infractions and crimes but emphasised that such powers must be exercised strictly in line with the bation’s constitution and rule of law.

According to the judge, the EFCC’s investigation into Oyo State, particularly the demands contained in its letter of 2nd June 2025, was speculative and amounted to a fishing expedition.

The judge noted that the plaintiffs’ constitutional right to a fair hearing could not be trampled under the guise of an investigation.

The state government instituted the suit after receiving the EFCC’s letter to the state accountant-general on 2nd June, 2025, demanding, among other things, copies of all contracts involving the state and details of all transactions and payments made to contractors from 2021 to the date of the letter.

The government subsequently wrote to the EFCC, requesting the Commission to specify the contractors or companies under investigation so that appropriate documents could be provided.

When the EFCC failed to respond, the state filed the suit.

The plaintiffs (Governor of Oyo State, Attorney General of Oyo State and Accountant General of Oyo State), argued through their counsel, led by the Attorney General, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, that the EFCC’s rEFCC’s, covering several years, was oppressive, unduly burdensome, and unreasonable given the volume of contracts entered into during the period.

They further contended that EFCC’s sEFCC’sry powers are subject to constitutional limits and cannot override constitutional provisions. Investigations, they maintained, must be evidence-driven, and the EFCC cannot embark on roving inquiries without specific allegations.

In defence, EFCC counsel I.G. Ojibor, leading S. Adamu, relied on Section 38 of the EFCC Act (2004), which empowers the Commission to demand and receive information from any person, authority, corporation, or company without hindrance.

He argued that this provision gave the EFCC the authority to conduct a blanket investigation into the states.

In conclusion, Justice Maha ruled in favour of the Oyo State government, set aside the EFCC’s dated 2 June 2025, and declared that any request by the Commission must be reasonable and tied to specific allegations.

The judge emphasised 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.