HEDA submits petition to EFCC regarding alleged money laundering involving Fayose and Obasanjo

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has formally requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conduct a thorough investigation into purported money laundering activities involving former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In a petition authored by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and directed to EFCC Chairman Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the civil society group cited a report from The Nigeria Lawyer on November 25, 2025, wherein Fayose allegedly acknowledged gifting Obasanjo $20,000 in cash for “travel logistics” related to his 65th birthday event in Lagos. The organization noted that Obasanjo also publicly affirmed his return of the money in cash.

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HEDA argued that this transaction violates the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, which restricts cash transactions for individuals to ₦5 million and mandates that larger amounts be processed through financial institutions. The group pointed out that Section 19 of the Act outlines penalties for such violations.

Suraju stated that the admissions made by both parties signify a cash transaction that exceeds the legal limit, warranting prompt investigation and prosecution.

The organization further urged the anti-corruption agency to act quickly, cautioning that neglecting this issue could jeopardize efforts to combat money laundering and reduce reliance on foreign currency in Nigeria.

HEDA referenced the recent conviction of Mr. Precious Uzondu for engaging in foreign currency transactions to highlight the Commission’s renewed commitment to enforcement.

HEDA reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and called on the EFCC to act independently and uphold the law by taking the allegations seriously.