EFCC Quizzes Ogun Officials Over Alleged Misuse of Government Funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal office, has reportedly invited several officials from the Ogun State government as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial mismanagement. This development was confirmed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, during a phone conversation on Wednesday.

“I can confirm that officials from the Ogun State government were invited for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation. They have since returned to their state, and no one was detained,” Oyewale stated.

When pressed for details, Oyewale reiterated that the officials were indeed from Ogun State but did not elaborate further on the nature of the investigation.

In response, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kayode Akinmade, stated, “I am currently out of town and unaware of the situation. However, anyone can write a petition, which does not necessarily mean the allegations are true. The EFCC’s invitation does not imply indictment.”

A reliable source disclosed that five government officials were questioned following a petition from Wale Adedayo, former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area. Last August, Adedayo accused Governor Abiodun of diverting approximately N10.8 billion intended for the 20 local governments in the state.

A top government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the EFCC’s invitation related to state finances but could not specify the individuals involved.

The controversy began when Adedayo wrote a letter to former state governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, alleging the diversion of funds. This letter became public, sparking widespread discussion and leading to Adedayo’s petition to the EFCC for an investigation.

The Ogun State government has denied these allegations, claiming it supplemented federal allocations to local governments to ensure they could meet financial obligations, including salary payments.

Following his accusations, Adedayo was impeached and is now on trial for making false allegations and defaming Governor Abiodun. Speaking on Wednesday, Adedayo expressed confidence that his petition prompted the EFCC’s recent actions.

“I heard about the EFCC’s invitation of state officials on Tuesday. It’s likely related to my petition. A lie can travel a thousand miles, but the truth will catch up quickly,” Adedayo said. He added that the officials were granted administrative bail and are expected to return with documents to support their case.