The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the immediate prosecution of former Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Adepoju Adeshola, over alleged diversion of about N3 billion and abuse of office.
In a petition signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation accused the former FRIN chief of misappropriating funds earmarked for environmental protection, research development and infrastructure projects during his tenure from 2015 to 2022.
According to the petition, approximately N913 million allocated to the National Afforestation Programme between 2018 and 2021 was allegedly diverted. HEDA also cited an alleged N240 million fraud connected to the “Fencing of Trial Afforestation Project” in 2018.
The group further claimed that over N2 billion in research grants from TETFund and UNESCO — including N300 million reportedly disbursed as COVID-19 intervention funds — remain unaccounted for.
HEDA also accused the former Director-General of criminal conversion of government assets. It alleged that in 2023, shortly before leaving office, he oversaw the sale of serviceable government vehicles to himself and associates at heavily discounted rates.
Among the vehicles listed in the petition were a Toyota Prado reportedly purchased in 2019 for N78 million but allegedly sold for N7 million, and a Toyota Hilux acquired in 2018 for N18 million but allegedly converted for personal use at N1 million.
In addition, the anti-corruption group alleged 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 petition specifically mentioned Hotel Le Harve and Hotel D Kit’s in Ogbomosho, as well as properties in Maitama, 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 expressed concern that although the EFCC reportedly initiated investigations and invited the former DG in 2024, the matter may have stalled due to alleged high-level political interference.
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The group urged the anti-graft agency to reopen and conclude investigations without external pressure, immediately file charges based on available evidence, probe identified accomplices and financial institutions involved, and seek interim forfeiture orders on the listed properties to prevent further disposal or laundering of assets.
HEDA stressed that corruption within environmental institutions undermines Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts and weakens public trust in governance, insisting that no individual should be above the law.
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