By Adams Adamu
Abuja, Nov. 29, ’25 (TNZ) Recent media reports and petitions alleging massive corruption at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), have sparked public outrage.
In the centre of this allegations were Dr Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of the bureau and his Chief of Staff, Mr Olanrewaju Obasa.
Claims of billions of naira funnelled through over 50 bank accounts, luxury vehicles acquired with public funds, and monetised Certificates of No Objection have been widely circulated.
While public accountability is vital, it is equally important to interrogate the credibility, methodology, and intent of such allegations before concluding. In this instance, the narrative presented in the petition and amplified by certain Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) reflects a classic case of social media trial, a rush to judgment without verification.
Firstly, the petition’s claims about bank accounts are highly implausible. The notion that two individuals could maintain over 50 accounts personally to channel illicit funds strains credibility.
Standard public service practices, institutional oversight, and banking regulations make such an elaborate scheme virtually impossible without immediate detection. Many of the account numbers cited appear inconsistent, duplicated, or unverifiable, suggesting that these are likely fabricated or misattributed.
A closer examination would reveal that several of these accounts either do not exist, are corporate accounts for legitimate business transactions, or belong to unrelated parties. It is irresponsible and reckless to assert guilt on the basis of an unverified list of numbers.
Secondly, allegations regarding luxury vehicles, specifically, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado, fail to consider that these are official vehicles allocated for operational purposes within the BPP. In many federal agencies, high-value vehicles are assigned to key personnel to facilitate official duties, including the transportation of sensitive documents and secure mobility.
Claims that these vehicles represent personal enrichment ignore procurement and asset records that are publicly documented and subject to audit. It is also worth noting that the budgetary allocations for official vehicle acquisition are separate from personnel remuneration, meaning that questions of personal wealth or income are irrelevant in assessing the legitimacy of these assets.
Furthermore, the petitioners overlooks the systemic and procedural safeguards built into the BPP’s operations. The issuance of Certificates of No Objection is governed by rigorous, multilayered, and digitally traceable processes.
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Allegations of coercion or pre-negotiated payments are unsubstantiated and inconsistent with the transparency mechanisms in place. The fact that no direct evidence, contracts, payment receipts, or communications have been produced underscores the speculative nature of the claims.
Rather than contacting the individuals involved or following due investigative processes, the petitioners relies on hearsay and anonymous assertions, which, in effect, weaponise public sentiment to create a presumption of guilt.
Finally, it is critical to highlight that this episode is symptomatic of the broader phenomenon of social media-driven narratives, where public opinion is swayed by sensational claims rather than verified facts. The CSOs and media outlets amplifying these reports have a duty to ensure accuracy and due diligence.
Responsible accountability is not served by protest and petition based on unverified allegations, but by structured, evidence-based inquiries. The BPP leadership has consistently demonstrated commitment to transparency, adherence to the Public Procurement Act, and protection of public resources.
To undermine this through speculative accusations, not only threatens institutional integrity, but also jeopardises public trust in Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
In conclusion, while vigilance and scrutiny of public officials are essential, so too is discernment and adherence to due process. Allegations of over 50 bank accounts, kickbacks, and illicit wealth are demonstrably implausible, and claims regarding vehicles disregard their official status.
What is unfolding is less a legitimate call for accountability and more an attempt at a trial by social media, where conjecture is passed off as evidence. Nigerians and the international community deserve a balanced narrative that respects facts, process, and the rule of law.
Until verified by competent authorities, these allegations should be treated with caution, and the presumption of innocence must be preserved. (TNZ)
Adamu, a lawyer, writes from Abuja
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