The Oyo State Government has said its decision to approach the Federal High Court for clarification on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s request for financial records was not an attempt to obstruct investigation, insisting that Governor Seyi Makinde has “nothing to hide.”
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government said it approached the court only after the EFCC failed to specify contractors or companies under investigation.
“The decision of the Oyo State Government to approach the Federal High Court for clarification on the EFCC’s demand for copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors between 2021 and 2025 is not an attempt to forestall investigation,” the statement read.
According to the government, the EFCC, in a letter dated June 2, 2025, asked the state Accountant General for copies of all contracts and transaction details from 2021 to date. The state responded by requesting the Commission to be specific.
“When the EFCC failed to respond, the state approached the Federal High Court to determine whether such a sweeping demand was lawful,” Olanrewaju explained.
Delivering judgment in suit FHC/IB/CS/61/2025, Justice Nkeonye Maha acknowledged the EFCC’s statutory powers but ruled that the demand was “speculative and amounted to a fishing expedition.” The court subsequently set aside the EFCC’s letter and declared that any request by the Commission must be reasonable and tied to specific allegations.
The judge also held that Section 38 of the EFCC Act empowers the Commission to demand information only for the investigation of offences under the Act, not for “speculative or roving inquiries.”
The government further dismissed claims by the Oyo APC that seeking judicial intervention amounted to avoiding scrutiny.
“Therefore, seeking judicial interpretation of the EFCC’s powers is neither cowardice nor an act of fear. Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government are not afraid of the EFCC or any other federal agency. The state’s account books will be made available whenever a proper and lawful request is made,” the statement said.
Olanrewaju added that the Makinde administration has managed state resources with prudence, citing achievements in road construction, rehabilitation of Primary Healthcare Centres, improved access to education, regular payment of salaries and pensions, employment of civil servants, and creation of a business-friendly environment.
“The facts speak for themselves,” he said.
He described the APC’s claim that the governor was avoiding investigation as “misleading and legally unfounded,” noting that resorting to the courts is a constitutional right and not an admission of guilt.
“The judiciary exists to interpret the scope of institutional powers and protect against overreach,” the statement concluded.
