Request for Investigation: Case of Possible Criminal Misappropriation of Lagos State Public Funds in the Amount of N200 Million

Dear Sir:

I write to draw your attention to the attached extract from the schedule of contract award letters registered by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency in January 2023. This is a schedule published by the PPA on its website in fulfillment of its obligations under the Public Procurement Act.

(The extract of letters of award registered for January 2023 is in the signed letter below.)

There are four awards by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, as reported by the PPA, totaling N200 million in respect of instructions to legal firms to represent Mr Babajide Sanwoolu in his personal capacity in a partisan political matter relating to his election nomination process as a candidate within his political party.

The fact that such awards went through approval processes and were issued is, in the first instance, unacceptable, alarming and highly irregular. Further, any payments made in respect of them would likely be a criminal misappropriation of public funds.

Pursuant to your law enforcement obligations, I hereby call upon you to undertake an investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding these irregular awards. This is especially required because the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, being the reported contract sponsor, may have a conflict of interest in investigating this matter.

It is our expectation that your investigation will establish whether there is criminal activity involved, and if so, determine those who may be culpable and ensure timely and appropriate consequences in accordance with the rule of law.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Funso Doherty