A Federal High Court has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to halt its investigation into the alleged embezzlement of Ekiti State funds meant for the Ekiti Airport project.
This ruling was made by Justice Emeka Nwite in response to an application filed by Oluwaseun Odewale, a former aide to ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi, and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola.
The Ekiti Airport project has been a subject of controversy, with allegations that a whopping sum of 20 billion Naira was spent to build an airport that was commissioned in October 2022 without control towers and remains non-operational to date.
Odewale’s affidavit claimed that EFCC operatives previously detained him and tried to force him to admit to embezzling Ekiti State Government funds during his tenure as Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The EFCC’s investigation was focused on the awards of contracts by the Ekiti State Government, particularly the airport project initiated by the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration.
However, Odewale’s lawyer, Chief R.O. Balogun, argued that the EFCC’s investigation was improper, given that a related case is pending before the Court of Appeal in Ado-Ekiti.
Additionally, a motion for a stay of execution and an injunction pending appeal challenges the EFCC’s authority to investigate state contracts.
Justice Nwite ruled that maintaining the status quo would serve the interest of justice, pending the hearing of the application.
The case has been adjourned to September 26, 2024.
The Ekiti Airport project was initiated by the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration and was commissioned in October 2022.
The project has been marred by controversy, with allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement. The airport remains non-operational to date, despite the significant funds allocated to its construction.
The court’s ruling has significant implications for the EFCC’s investigation into the Ekiti Airport project.
The commission must now maintain the status quo, pending the hearing of the application.
This development may impact the EFCC’s ability to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the alleged embezzlement.
The case is adjourned to September 26, 2024, when the court will hear the application. The outcome of this hearing will determine the future of the EFCC’s investigation into the Ekiti Airport project.
