A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “maintain the status quo” in its investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds earmarked for the Ekiti Airport project. The court order, issued by Justice Emeka Nwite on September 13, 2024, relates to a suit filed by O’seun Odewale, former Director General of Ekiti State’s Bureau of Public Procurement, and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola.
Odewale, in his affidavit, claimed EFCC operatives had pressured him to confess to the alleged embezzlement of Ekiti State Government funds under his oversight, which he denied. The investigation focuses on contracts awarded during the administration of former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, including the Ekiti Airport project.
Odewale’s legal representative, Chief R.O. Balogun (SAN), argued that the EFCC’s detention of his clients exceeded the constitutional limit and that ongoing investigations into state contracts are already subject to a pending appeal before the Court of Appeal in Ado-Ekiti. He urged the court to prevent further EFCC harassment of his clients, citing the potential for “irreparable damage.”
In response, Justice Nwite ruled in favor of maintaining the status quo pending further court hearings, which are scheduled for September 26, 2024.
