For a nation that prides itself on democracy and the rule of law, Nigeria’s treatment of Bob Oshodin stands in stark contradiction to both. For over a decade, the businessman has endured the weight of public accusations, official detainment, and reputational destruction—all without ever standing trial or being found guilty of a crime. The EFCC has had ten years to prosecute him, yet has failed to present evidence or begin discovery proceedings.
Oshodin was contracted by the federal government during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-militants in the Niger Delta. His facility provided vocational training to dozens, all under the full knowledge and oversight of federal authorities. The project was inspected, certified, and ultimately endorsed. This wasn’t backdoor corruption; it was public service, carried out under contract.
The witch-hunt began when President Buhari’s administration launched a sweeping probe of contracts issued under Jonathan’s government. Without distinction between fraudulent actors and legitimate businesspeople, the EFCC cast a wide net. Oshodin, despite his clean records and international financial transparency, was labeled a suspect and publicly condemned—without trial.
While the Nigerian state stalls, the human toll grows. His wife, Mimie Oshodin, was detained for months and is now being forced to report to EFCC offices in a distant city every month, despite there being a closer office in her hometown. This is not due process—it is psychological warfare.
Bob Oshodin deserves more than endless accusations. He deserves a fair hearing or a formal apology. But what he cannot endure any longer is the weaponization of justice against citizens whose only crime was to do business during the wrong political era.