The Human and Environmental Development Agenda has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion, misapplication and criminal breach of trust involving the ₦30 billion released by the Federal Government to the Oyo State Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
The petition, dated January 5, 2026, was signed by the Chairman of HEDA, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to the Chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede.
HEDA queried the status and utilisation of the ₦30 billion released for compensation of victims, reconstruction of the affected Bodija area and emergency relief.
The group expressed concern that only about ₦4.5bn was reportedly applied to relief and compensation, while the remaining funds were allegedly unaccounted for.
“The organisation is concerned that only about ₦4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire ₦30bn remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition read.
Naijaonpoint reports that the petition followed public controversy sparked by a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, who during a national television interview alleged that the Federal Government released ₦50 billion to the Oyo State Government for the explosion victims and reconstruction of Old Bodija.
Reacting to the claim, the Oyo State Government acknowledged receipt of federal funds but clarified that it received ₦30bn, not ₦50bn, and that the money remained untouched pending the release of the balance of ₦20bn.
Following the disclosure, victims of the explosion demanded the immediate release of the ₦30 billion to complement earlier compensation, which they described as inadequate.
The state government had earlier disclosed that it disbursed ₦4.085bn as support and compensation to victims, while spending ₦24.6bn from its own resources on the Bodija area and its environment.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, said the state government maintained its position that the ₦30bn remained untouched.
He dismissed the renewed controversy as politically motivated.
“The Oyo State Government is at peace with the comprehensive and convincing statement issued on the unfortunate incident,” Oyelade said.
“We stand solidly by our statement and refer everyone to same. It’s 2026, the eve of the 2027 general elections. We understand and we are ready.”
In its petition, HEDA raised further concerns over transparency and accountability, alleging that the ₦30bn was kept in a commercial bank at interest for over a year without public disclosure.
The group urged the EFCC to compel the Oyo State Government to provide a transparent public account of the funds received, how they were utilised and the status of any unspent 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 prevent investigation into the handling of public funds.
“Constitutional immunity does not preclude investigation, particularly in issues relating to accountability and the management of public resources,” the group said.
It therefore urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a “thorough, impartial and professional investigation” into the receipt, management and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.