Court Blocks EFCC's Investigation into Oyo State Finances

On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, ruled against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), halting its planned investigation into the finances of the Oyo State Government. The court, presided over by Justice Nkeonye Maha, described the EFCC's actions as speculative and a fishing expedition.

The ruling was in response to suit FHC/IB/CS/61/2025, filed by the Oyo State Government after receiving an EFCC letter on 2 June 2025, which demanded extensive financial documentation. The Oyo State Government, represented by Governor Seyi Makinde, Attorney General Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, and Accountant General, argued that the EFCC's request was oppressive and unreasonable.

Justice Maha emphasized that while the EFCC has statutory powers to investigate, these must align with constitutional provisions and be evidence-driven. The court set aside the EFCC's letter and mandated that any future requests must be reasonable and tied to specific allegations.