UAD Petitions EFCC Over Allegations Against Serving Lawmaker

The United Action for Democracy (UAD) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately investigate a serving member of the House of Representatives, Olatunji Abayomi’s Akanni Akinosi, over alleged money laundering, unexplained wealth, and abuse of office.

In a petition signed by its Secretary, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, the pro-democracy and anti-corruption group said its claims are backed by financial intelligence and transaction records. According to the organisation, these documents reveal unusually large and complex financial movements across several bank accounts linked to the lawmaker and associated companies.

UAD stated that its petition is grounded in multiple Nigerian laws, including provisions of the EFCC Act, the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. It also cited constitutional requirements mandating public officials to declare assets and avoid conflicts of interest, as well as laws addressing fraud and illicit financial activities.

The group noted that Akinosi, who represents Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency in Ogun State, occupies a sensitive public office that demands transparency and accountability. It argued that the scale and complexity of the financial transactions linked to him raise concerns about compliance with asset declaration rules and the legitimacy of the funds.

According to UAD, any wealth that cannot be reasonably explained in relation to lawful income may qualify as unexplained assets subject to investigation and possible forfeiture under anti-corruption laws.

The organisation urged the EFCC to launch a comprehensive probe into the lawmaker’s financial dealings. It also requested that the commission obtain bank records, trace suspicious transactions, and investigate companies allegedly connected to the funds, including Abolak Integrated Enterprises, Abolas Engineering Services Ltd, and Zashow Motor Company.

Additionally, UAD asked the EFCC to question the lawmaker and individuals linked to the transactions, freeze suspicious accounts or assets, and carry out a full asset and lifestyle audit. It further recommended referring any asset declaration violations to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The group added that if sufficient evidence is found, the lawmaker should be prosecuted, and any assets proven to be proceeds of corruption should be recovered and forfeited to the Federal Government.