The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Governor Seyi Makinde approached the court to shield his administration from investigation, insisting that the governor has nothing to hide.
The government maintained that its decision to seek judicial interpretation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) powers was aimed at protecting due process and not an attempt to frustrate any probe.
According to the state government, Makinde’s administration has managed Oyo’s resources prudently, leading to major investments in road construction, healthcare, education, civil service recruitment, regular payment of salaries and pensions, citizen empowerment and the creation of a business-friendly environment.
The government explained that the EFCC had written to the state’s Accountant-General requesting copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors from 2021 to 2025.
It, however, noted that the request was too broad and asked the anti-graft agency to identify the specific contractors or companies under investigation so that the required documents could be provided.
According to the government, when the EFCC failed to clarify its request, it approached the Federal High Court to determine whether such a blanket demand was lawful.
The state said the court acknowledged the EFCC’s statutory powers to investigate financial crimes but ruled that the commission’s request amounted to a speculative exercise and a fishing expedition.
Justice Nkeonye Maha reportedly set aside the EFCC’s letter dated June 2, 2025, holding that any request for information must be reasonable and linked to specific allegations.
The court also held that Section 38 of the EFCC Act empowers the commission to demand information only in connection with investigations into offences under the Act and not for speculative or indiscriminate inquiries.
The Oyo State Government stressed that seeking judicial clarification does not amount to fear or an admission of guilt, insisting that Governor Makinde is not afraid of the EFCC or any other federal agency.
It added that the state would make its financial records available whenever a lawful and properly defined request is made by the commission.
The government also described the APC’s allegation that the governor was trying to evade investigation as misleading and legally baseless.
It maintained that approaching the court is a constitutional right available to every citizen and institution, adding that the judiciary exists to interpret the limits of statutory powers and prevent abuse of authority.
