A civil society organisation, Community for Peace and Corrupt Free Society Nigeria, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what it described as delayed investigation, alleged suppression and failure to conclude corruption cases involving Dr. Babayo Ardo.
The group, in a petition dated May 21, 2026 and signed by its representative, Ibrahim Adam, accused the anti-graft agency of failing to transparently conclude investigations allegedly linked to Ardo’s tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
According to the petition addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC through its Gombe State Zonal Office, obtained on Monday by our correspondent, the organisation said public records and investigative reports indicated that Ardo was reportedly arrested around June 2, 2022 over allegations bordering on diversion and misappropriation of public funds.
The group alleged that the accusations included diversion of public infrastructure funds, laundering of public funds through proxy accounts, and the use of shell companies.
The petition read in part, “We respectfully submit this petition in the interest of justice, transparency, accountability, constitutional governance and the preservation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption integrity.
“As a recognised anti-corruption and public accountability organisation operating within Nigeria’s lawful anti-money laundering compliance framework, we are constitutionally and morally empowered to demand transparency, accountability, lawful investigation and diligent prosecution of corruption-related matters affecting the Nigerian public.”
The organisation argued that the prolonged delay in concluding the matter violated constitutional provisions on fair hearing and timely justice.
Citing Section 36(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, the group stated, “A person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal established by law.”
It added, “Justice delayed in corruption-related investigations undermines public confidence, institutional credibility, judicial integrity and constitutional accountability.”
The group also accused the commission of failing to fully exercise its statutory powers under Sections 6, 7, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 34 of the EFCC Act, 2004, which empower the agency to investigate financial crimes, trace illicit funds, seize suspicious assets and obtain forfeiture orders.
According to the petition, failure to transparently conclude the case could damage Nigeria’s international reputation in the fight against corruption.
“If this matter is not reopened, accelerated and transparently concluded, it may send a dangerous and negative perception to the international community that Nigeria is unwilling or unable to genuinely fight corruption involving influential public officials,” the group stated.
The organisation further linked its demand to the anti-corruption agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that no individual should be above the law.
“One of the publicly recognised policy directions associated with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the strengthening of governance, institutional accountability and the fight against corruption irrespective of political or personal affiliations,” the petition added.
The group also alleged that Ardo participated in partisan political screening while still serving as a Federal Permanent Secretary without resigning from service, describing the action as a violation of Federal Civil Service Rules.
Among its demands, the organisation called for the immediate reopening and acceleration of investigations involving Ardo, public disclosure of the status of the case, independent review of all allegations relating to diversion of infrastructure and COVID-19 intervention funds, and publication of recovered assets and forfeiture proceedings where applicable.
It also urged the EFCC to provide assurances that investigations involving politically exposed persons would not be suppressed and to ensure transparent judicial proceedings in line with the Constitution and the EFCC Act.
The group further appealed to civil society organisations, legal practitioners, youth groups, media organisations and patriotic Nigerians to support calls for justice and accountability.
“Nigeria’s fight against corruption must remain credible, impartial, transparent and constitutionally grounded. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” the petition concluded.
