Governance

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Chairman of Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency, OYACA, Retired Justice Eni Esan has revealed that over 300 corruption cases have been investigated since the inception of the Agency in 2021.

Speaking during a chat with the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who paid her an official visit in her office, Justice Esan said the agency has made significant strides in investigating cases of corruption with 14 cases currently being tried.  

According to the OYACA chair, large sums of money have been recovered from politicians, contractors, and civil/public servants among others. 

She revealed that states like Kano, Kaduna Jigawa, Ondo, Lagos, and Cross River have come to understudy the anti-corruption blueprint of OYACA in a bid to intensify the fight against corruption in their respective states. 

She further revealed that the Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency‘s mandate is to promote ethical conduct, prevent corrupt practices, and protect public resources from mismanagement and embezzlement. 

“Corruption fighting begins with sensitization on prevention. The agency has initiated this process by educating traditional leaders, tertiary institutions in Oyo state, civil/public servants, Members of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in the campaign”

Justice Esan disclosed that Oyo State is determined to create a culture of transparency and accountability, where corruption is reduced to the barest minimum.

“While we are committed to zero tolerance for corruption, we also recognize the importance of due process and ensuring that individuals are given a fair opportunity to defend themselves against any allegations.” 

Justice Esan assured that all cases brought before the agency are treated with confidentiality.

Responding, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, appreciated the sensitive task of the agency and assured that the information ministry will periodically sensitize the public on the agency’s activities in line with the state government’s determination to rid the state of corruption.

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Crime

The Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency, OYACA, acting in respect of petitions written by eleven residents of the state has intervened in a recruitment racket case where a senior civil servant at the State Hospital Management Board was accused of extorting monies from job seekers.

In a press release signed by the OYACA Chairman, Honourable Justice Eni Esan (Rtd) on Wednesday and made available to newsmen, the suspect, Mr Wahab Nasiru Olabanji, a senior civil servant was alleged to have extorted a huge sum of money from the job seekers during the 2021 recruitment exercise at the State Hospital Management Board.

“The said civil servant was apprehended by the OYACA and after investigation; the Agency was able to recover some of the money from him, which will soon be distributed to the victims of his fraudulent activities.”

Justice Eni Esan (Rtd) further hinted that the agency found that a prima facie case had been established against the said civil servant and the case file has been referred to the office of the Attorney General for prosecution in line with the provision of the OYACA LAW, 2019.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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