The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the anti-graft agency to immediately prosecute the former Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Adepoju Adeshola, over allegations of massive corruption, diversion of public funds, and abuse of office.
In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group called for urgent action, alleging that billions of naira meant for environmental protection, research, and infrastructure projects were misappropriated during the former DG’s tenure between 2015 and 2022.
According to the Suraju, approximately N913 million budgeted for the National Afforestation Programme between 2018 and 2021 was allegedly diverted. He also cited an alleged N240 million frauds linked to the “Fencing of Trial Afforestation Project” in 2018.
HEDA further alleged that over N2 billion in research grants from TETFUND and UNESCO, including a specific N300 million COVID-19 intervention funds, remain unaccounted for.
The anti-corruption organisation also accused the former Director-General of criminal conversion of government assets, alleging that, in 2023, shortly before leaving office, he oversaw the sale of serviceable government vehicles to himself and associates at heavily discounted prices.
Among the vehicles listed were a Toyota Prado reportedly purchased in 2019 for N78 million but allegedly sold to him for N7 million, and a Toyota Hilux acquired in 2018 for N18 million but allegedly converted for personal use at N1 million.
In addition, HEDA raised allegations of money laundering and illicit asset acquisition, claiming that proceeds from the alleged diversion of funds were used to acquire hospitality businesses and residential properties in Ogbomosho, Abuja, Ibadan, and along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The group identified Hotel Le Harve and Hotel D Kit’s in Ogbomosho, as well as properties in Maitama (Abuja), GRA (Ibadan), and the RCCG Camp axis, as assets allegedly linked to the proceeds of the alleged crimes.
HEDA further alleged that funds were moved through FRIN Consultancy Services Limited Project Account domiciled in Polaris Bank, with the assistance of named consultants and staff members.
Suraju further expressed concern that despite an earlier investigation and invitation reportedly extended by the EFCC in 2024, the case may have been stalled due to alleged high-level political interference.
HEDA further urged the EFCC to reopen and conclude investigations without external pressure, immediately charge the former Director-General to court based on available evidence, investigate identified accomplices and financial institutions involved, and obtain interim forfeiture orders on the listed properties to prevent further disposal or laundering of assets.
The group emphasised that corruption within environmental institutions undermines Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts and public trust in governance, urging the anti-graft agency to ensure that no individual is above the law.