Kaduna Project Allegedly Abandoned By Adeboye’s Son After ₦8 Billion Transfer, Files To Block Investigation

Kaduna Project Allegedly Abandoned By Adeboye’s Son After ₦8 Billion Transfer, Files To Block Investigation

Adeolu Adeboye, son of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is under scrutiny after allegedly abandoning a road construction project in Kaduna. The project, funded with over ₦8 billion from the Kaduna State Government, was only 30% completed before work was halted. Adeolu and his wife secured the contract through Ronchess Global Resources Plc during former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration……CONTINUE READING 

The Kaduna State Government and House of Assembly have launched an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds. In response, Adeolu has filed a lawsuit (FHC/L/CS/1206/24) at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Kaduna State Government, and the House of Assembly from arresting or detaining him.

A site inspection on May 16, 2024, revealed that Ronchess Global Resources Plc had abandoned the project on the Wusasa to Danmagaji Nagoyi Road despite receiving ₦8,195,014,236.95. The contract, initially valued at ₦8.74 billion, was later revised to ₦17.26 billion. It was awarded on September 15, 2020, with a completion deadline of January 2, 2021.

To avoid investigation, Adeolu sought an interim order to prevent further action by the EFCC, Kaduna State Government, and other authorities. Justice K.O. Ogundare granted this interim order, halting any related actions until the court reviews the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

The EFCC, in a counter-affidavit dated August 14, 2024, claimed to have found evidence of fraud and the criminal diversion of public funds involving Adeolu and 26 other contractors. The EFCC’s investigation indicated that while ₦8,185,014,328.95 was collected, only 30% of the project was completed.

The EFCC’s legal team, led by Femi Falana (SAN), argues that Adeolu’s use of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules is inappropriate, as the claim does not primarily address fundamental rights but rather ancillary grievances. Falana contends that a claim must primarily seek to enforce a fundamental right to qualify under these rules.

The case is set to resume on September 20, 2024, for further proceedings.