Chairman of Oyo State Anti-corruption Agency (OYACA), Justice Eni Esan (rtd) has hinted that over 300 corruption cases had been investigated and millions of naira recovered from indicted politicians and civil servants in since the inception of the agency in 2021.
Esan, who revealed this in a chat with the state’s commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade, who paid her an official visit in her office, said the agency had made significant strides in investigating cases of corruption as 14 cases were currently being tried.
She said huge sums of money have been recovered from politicians, contractors, civil, public servants among others.
The chairman revealed that Kano, Kaduna Jigawa, Ondo, Lagos and Cross River States have understudied the anti-corruption blueprint of OYACA in a bid to intensify the fight against corruption in their respective states.
She further revealed that the Oyo State Anti- Corruption Agency ‘s mandate is to promote ethical conduct, preventing corrupt practices, and protecting public resources from mismanagement and embezzlement
“Corruption fighting begins with sensitization on prevention. The agency has initiated this process by educating traditional leaders, tertiary institutions in Oyo state, civil/public servants, Members of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in the campaign”, she said.
She disclosed that Oyo State was determined to create a culture of transparency and accountability, where corruption is reduced to the barest minimum.
“While we are committed to zero tolerance for corruption, we also recognize the importance of due process and ensuring that individuals are given a fair opportunity to defend themselves against any allegations”, she added.
Responding, Oyelade, appreciated the sensitive task of the agency and assured that the Ministry will periodically sensitize the public on the agency’s activities in line with the State government’s determination to rid the state of corruption.
