Adeolu Adeboye, the son of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is under scrutiny for allegedly receiving over ₦8 billion from the Kaduna State Government for a road construction project but failing to complete it.
Reports from Sahara Reporters indicate that Adeolu and his wife secured the contract through Ronchess Global Resources Plc during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. However, despite receiving the funds, only 30% of the project was completed, raising allegations of fund misappropriation.
The Kaduna State Government and House of Assembly have launched an investigation into the alleged fraud. In response, Adeolu has filed a lawsuit (FHC/L/CS/1206/24) at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking to prevent his arrest or detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Kaduna State Government, and the House of Assembly.
Named as respondents in the suit are the EFCC, Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Kaduna State Government, and the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
On May 16, 2024, a team from the Kaduna State House of Assembly visited the project site at Wusasa to Danmagaji Nagoyi Road in Kaduna North Local Government Area and found that Ronchess Global Resources Plc had abandoned the project. Despite receiving ₦8,195,014,236.95 for the project, only 30% had been completed before work was halted.
The contract, initially valued at ₦8.74 billion, was later revised to ₦17.26 billion and was awarded on September 15, 2020, with a completion date set for January 2, 2021.
To avoid the ongoing investigation, Adeolu sought an interim order to prevent 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 order, temporarily restraining the respondents from pursuing any further steps related to the project until the court hears the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
In a counter-affidavit sworn by Mohammed Arabo on August 14, 2024, the EFCC stated that it had uncovered evidence of fraud and criminal diversion of public funds involving Adeolu and 26 other contractors. According to the EFCC’s investigation, Ronchess Global Resources Plc had received ₦8,185,014,328.95 while only completing 30% of the project.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Femi Falana (SAN), is contesting Adeolu’s use of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, arguing that his claim is not primarily focused on enforcing fundamental rights but rather on addressing grievances secondary to the main relief sought.
Falana contended, “The issue to be resolved is whether the applicant’s claim falls within the category of cases that qualify as an infraction of fundamental rights.”
He further stated, “It is important to recognize that claiming a rights violation is not a one-size-fits-all solution that can be applied to every grievance, especially when the primary relief sought does not directly pertain to the enforcement of a constitutional right.”
The case has been adjourned to September 20, 2024, for further proceedings.
