CSOs Demand EFCC Probe, Arrest of TETFund Boss Over Alleged Multi-Billion Naira Scandal

More than 300 civil society organisations have called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to immediately investigate the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, over allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and an alleged multi-billion naira scandal.

The coalition urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and other relevant agencies to commence a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday under the banner of the Coalition of Over 300 Civil Society Organisations and the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO), the groups described the allegations as serious and deserving of urgent attention from the relevant authorities.

According to the coalition, the claims circulating in the public domain, if proven, would amount to a grave breach of public trust and could undermine Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, which relies significantly on TETFund interventions for infrastructure development, research funding, academic advancement and institutional growth.

The organisations stressed that officials entrusted with managing public education funds must be held to the highest standards of accountability, transparency and integrity.

They also called for a thorough examination of contracts, procurement processes, financial transactions and administrative decisions connected to the alleged scandal.

The coalition insisted that no public official should be shielded from investigation because of position or influence.

“We are demanding the immediate invitation, arrest where necessary, and thorough investigation of Mr. Sonny Echono. The allegations currently before the public are too weighty to be ignored. The credibility of TETFund and the integrity of public institutions depend on swift and transparent action.”

The organisations further warned against any attempt to obstruct investigations or protect individuals from accountability, maintaining that Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign must be pursued fairly and without exception.

As part of efforts to press home their demands, the coalition announced plans to stage a peaceful mass protest in Abuja on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

According to the statement, thousands of civil society activists from across the country are expected to participate in the rally, during which formal petitions will be submitted to the EFCC, ICPC, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Presidency.

The petitions will seek a full forensic investigation into all allegations concerning the management of TETFund.

The coalition said the demonstration would be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while encouraging Nigerians who support transparency and accountability to join the exercise.

The organisations concluded by stating that their campaign was not targeted at any individual personally but was aimed at promoting accountability, combating corruption and preventing the misuse of public resources meant for national development.