Court Halts EFCC Probe Into Oyo State Finances, Declares Investigation a 'Fishing Expedition' Amid Rising Political Tensions
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum, discussions surrounding Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government have intensified. Supporters of the governor have alleged that attempts are already being made to tarnish his administration's image in a bid to boost the electoral fortunes of the opposition, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These reactions followed a landmark judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from proceeding with its planned investigation into the finances of the Oyo State Government.
In a judgment delivered on 22 July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/IB/CS/61/2025, Justice Nkeonye Maha ruled that although the EFCC possesses statutory authority to investigate financial crimes, its powers must be exercised strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and the rule of law.
The court held that the anti-graft agency's proposed investigation was speculative and amounted to what it described as a "fishing expedition" because it was not based on any specific allegation of financial misconduct or identifiable offence.
According to court records, the dispute arose after the EFCC wrote to the Oyo State Accountant-General on 2 June 2025, requesting copies of all contracts awarded by the state government, as well as details of payments made to contractors from 2021 up to the date of the letter.
The Oyo State Government subsequently sought clarification from the commission, requesting details of the contractors, companies, projects or transactions that were under investigation so that relevant documents could be supplied. However, the state argued that the EFCC failed to provide the requested clarification, prompting Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney-General of Oyo State and the Accountant-General to institute legal action against the commission.
Representing the Oyo State Government, Attorney-General Abiodun Aikomo argued that the EFCC's request was oppressive, excessively broad and unreasonable, given the volume of contracts executed by the state over the four-year period. He maintained that while the commission has investigative powers under the EFCC Act, those powers are not absolute and must comply with constitutional safeguards protecting citizens and public institutions from arbitrary investigations.
On its part, the EFCC relied on Section 38 of the EFCC Act, 2004, contending that the law empowers the commission to demand information from any individual, organisation or government authority in the course of carrying out investigations into financial crimes.
Justice Maha, however, rejected that argument, ruling that Section 38 does not authorise blanket or speculative investigations without identifiable allegations. The court set aside the EFCC's letter dated 2 June 2025 and declared that any future request for information by the commission must be reasonable, specific and directly connected to an alleged offence recognised under the EFCC Act.
The judgment has generated widespread public debate, with legal observers noting that the ruling does not strip the EFCC of its constitutional mandate to investigate corruption. Rather, it reinforces the principle that investigative agencies must operate within the confines of due process, constitutional protections and evidence-based investigations.
Meanwhile, political supporters of Governor Makinde have interpreted the development through a political lens, arguing that the timing of the investigation raises questions as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify. Some believe the case reflects the growing political contest expected ahead of the next electoral cycle, while others insist that anti-corruption agencies must continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
Whether viewed as a victory for constitutional safeguards or a setback for anti-corruption enforcement, the judgment is likely to remain a major reference point in the ongoing conversation about the balance between accountability, due process and politics in Nigeria's democratic system as the road to 2027 unfolds.
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