Adeolu Adeboye, the son of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has been accused of abandoning a road construction project in Kaduna after receiving over ₦8 billion from the Kaduna State Government.
The project, which was only 30% completed, has sparked a significant investigation into alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds.
Adeolu and his wife secured the contract through Ronchess Global Resources Plc during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Despite receiving ₦8,195,014,236.95 for the project, the work was halted, leaving the site abandoned.
The Kaduna State Government and the House of Assembly have launched an investigation into the alleged fraud, prompting Adeolu to file a lawsuit (FHC/L/CS/1206/24) at the Federal High Court in Lagos. He seeks an injunction to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Kaduna State Government, and the House of Assembly from arresting or detaining him.
The respondents in the lawsuit include the EFCC, Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Kaduna State Government, and Kaduna State House of Assembly. On May 16, 2024, a team from the Kaduna State House of Assembly inspected the project site on the Wusasa to Danmagaji Nagoyi Road in Kaduna North Local Government Area and found it abandoned.
The contract, initially valued at ₦8.74 billion, was later revised to ₦17.26 billion. It was awarded on September 15, 2020, with a completion date of January 2, 2021.
Adeolu sought an interim order to stop the EFCC, the Kaduna State Government, and other authorities from taking further action against him. Justice K.O. Ogundare of the Federal High Court granted the interim order, restraining the respondents from pursuing any steps related to the project until the court hears and determines the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
The EFCC, in a counter-affidavit, stated that evidence of fraud and criminal diversion of public funds had been found against Adeolu and 26 other contractors. The EFCC’s investigation revealed that Ronchess Global Resources Plc had collected ₦8,185,014,328.95 while only 30% of the project was completed.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Femi Falana (SAN), is challenging Adeolu’s use of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, arguing that the claim does not primarily seek to enforce fundamental rights but rather to address ancillary grievances. The case has been adjourned to September 20, 2024, for further proceedings
The case has been adjourned to September 20, 2024, for further proceedings.
