Pastor Adeboye’s Son Faces Legal Battle Over Multi-Billion Naira Abandoned Kaduna Project

Adeolu Adeboye, the son of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is facing serious legal challenges after allegedly abandoning a multi-billion naira road project in Kaduna State.

Adeolu, along with his wife, secured the contract during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai but is now accused of leaving the project unfinished after receiving substantial payments.

The Kaduna State Government had awarded the contract for the construction of an 8-kilometer road from Wusasa to Danmagaji Nagoyi in Zaria to Adeolu’s company, Ronchess Global Resources Plc.

Initially, the contract valued at N8.74 billion, was later revised to N17.26 billion. Despite this, the project was only 30% completed before being abandoned, leaving the roadwork unfinished.

A recent inspection by the Kaduna State House of Assembly on May 16, 2024, revealed the abandoned state of the project. The assembly’s probe into the matter raised questions about the N8.195 billion already paid to Ronchess Global Resources. This raised concerns over the management of public funds.

In response to the probe, Adeolu Adeboye filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent his arrest and further investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna State Government, and the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

He is requesting an injunction to stop any action that might compel him to attend meetings regarding the unfinished project.

Justice K.O. Ogundare granted an interim order temporarily restraining the EFCC, Kaduna State Government, and the Kaduna State House of Assembly from arresting or detaining Adeolu. The court scheduled a hearing for September 20, 2024, to discuss the case further.

The EFCC, in a counter-affidavit filed by one of its staff members, Mohammed Arabo, accused Adeolu of fraud and the criminal diversion of public funds.

According to Arabo, Ronchess Global Resources Plc collected over N8.18 billion for the project but only completed 30% of the work. He noted that Adeolu and 26 other contractors are under investigation for similar offenses, with several others already cooperating with the EFCC.

The legal battle has drawn significant attention, with high-profile lawyers representing both sides.

Femi Falana (SAN), representing the EFCC, argued that the case should not be treated as a fundamental rights issue, as the allegations primarily involve the misuse of public funds.

Falana warned against the misuse of the Fundamental Right (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, stating that “the claim of any breach is not like a magic wand which can be waived in the face of every claim.”

While the legal team of Adeolu Adeboye, led by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), is fighting to protect him from what they describe as undue legal pressure. They argue that the actions of the EFCC infringe on the fundamental rights of Adeolu. Therefore, the case should be treated accordingly.