A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from proceeding with a proposed investigation into the finances of the Oyo State Government. The court delivered the ruling on Wednesday in suit FHC/IB/CS/61/2025. In the judgment, Justice Nkeonye Maha acknowledged that the EFCC has statutory powers to investigate financial infractions and related crimes. However, the court held that the specific planned probe into the state’s finances, as presented, amounts to speculation and resembles a fishing expedition. The court’s position is that enforcement powers must be exercised strictly in line with constitutional requirements.
The Oyo State Government, represented by its counsel and Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, argued that the EFCC’s proposed investigation should be evidence-based rather than based on conjecture. The state also maintained that the agency does not have the power to investigate the finances of the current administration at the time in question. Sources report that the EFCC had written to the Accountant General of Oyo State seeking information about the current administration’s finances. The court ruled in favour of the state and halted the investigation.
