CSOs Petition Tinubu Over Alleged Misconduct by Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji

The Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO), alongside 20 other civil society organisations, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji from public office over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office and other actions it described as unbecoming of a public officer.

The demand was contained in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and jointly signed by the National Coordinator of CSAACAO, Comrade Gbenga Akande, and the National Secretary, Comrade Ishaya Abdullaziz.

In the letter, the coalition said it decided to petition the President in line with its commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical governance, arguing that the issues raised touch on “the very heart of public sector integrity and the credibility of your administration’s anti-corruption agenda.”

The coalition stated: “Your administration has consistently affirmed that no public officer is above the law. Yet, despite this commitment, Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji continues to occupy public office even as it is alleged that deeply troubling allegations—many of which are documented in formal complaints—continue to multiply.”

The organisations alleged that Adetunji has been implicated in professional misconduct, abuse of official authority, intimidation, coercion, misuse of public office for personal vendettas, sponsorship and dissemination of allegedly false and defamatory publications against another public officer, unethical conduct, media blackmail, administrative irregularities and alleged fraudulent transactions during his tenure.

According to the coalition, the allegations are contained in formal complaints submitted to relevant authorities.

The coalition also alleged that Surveyor Adetunji is involved in a pending court matter and claimed that a bench warrant was reportedly issued for his arrest.

The letter reads: “We are further informed that Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji is alleged to have been involved in a pending court matter, and that a bench warrant for his arrest was reportedly issued. If verified, this would mean that a senior public officer is evading lawful judicial processes while still exercising the powers and privileges of office. Such a situation is untenable, dangerous, and contrary to the standards of public service discipline.”

The coalition further claimed that, despite allegedly being due for statutory retirement, Adetunji has refused to submit his retirement file, failed to process mandatory exit documentation and may have withheld official records.

It argued that if those allegations are proven, they could amount to violations of the Public Service Rules, the Pension Reform Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers under the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

Expressing concern over the implications for public service integrity, the coalition said allowing a public officer facing such allegations to remain in office could undermine public confidence in government institutions.

The letter stated: “While we acknowledge the constitutional presumption of innocence, public officers—especially those in sensitive positions—must step aside when credible allegations arise. This is standard practice in every responsible democracy.”

The coalition urged President Tinubu to order the immediate removal of Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji from office in the overriding public interest pending the outcome of investigations.

It also requested the President to direct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, financial irregularities, media blackmail and administrative violations.

In addition, the organisations called on the President to mandate relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the reported bench warrant and any pending legal matters.

The coalition further urged the prosecution of any public officer found culpable in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Concluding the letter, the coalition said:”Your decisive action will reinforce your administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. We trust that Your Excellency will act swiftly to protect the integrity of our public institutions.”

Copies of the petition were also addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).