Civil groups call for evidence in allegations involving Senator Adeola

Two civil society organisations have called for evidence to support allegations concerning federal projects and empowerment programmes linked to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, saying claims should not be treated as established facts without verification. The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance and the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative made the call at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. Adeola represents Ogun West Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

The groups said their position followed monitoring activities in Ogun West and other parts of Nigeria. They reported visiting project sites, speaking with residents and beneficiaries, and documenting observations through reports and photographs. Their monitoring covered roads, schools, electricity and healthcare projects, as well as empowerment programmes for traders, artisans, farmers, youths, students and other groups.

They said monitors observed physical interventions in several communities and, in some cases, projects they considered to have been delivered to a commendable standard. The organisations stressed, however, that the existence of a project did not resolve questions about procurement, contract values, quality, value for money or financial transactions. They said claims of non-execution should be tested through physical inspection, while alleged diversion of funds required financial records.

They also requested documentary evidence for accusations involving procurement violations, inflated contracts or undisclosed ownership of companies allegedly connected to Adeola. The groups said the senator remained subject to legitimate scrutiny but that repeated publication could not turn an allegation into proof. The organisations said some of their monitors had seen ICPC officials observing programmes, but clarified that they were not speaking for the commission and had no knowledge of its findings.

They urged residents, journalists and civil society groups to inspect records, visit sites and speak with beneficiaries. Where wrongdoing is established, they said, authorities should act, while verified projects and beneficiaries should also be acknowledged.