Press Statement
April 1, 2022
Abuja, Nigeria
Attempted murder of HEDA’s boss – script to silence anti-corruption activism in Nigeria: PROMAD
PROMAD Foundation, a civic non-governmental organisation has condemned the attempted murder of the chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju.
In a statement on Friday, signed by its Executive Director, Daisi Omokungbe, said the attack on Mr Suraju is a script to silence anti-corruption activism in Nigeria, saying it might be in connection to his anti-corruption crusades.
On Tuesday, 29th March 2022, we read with shock the news of “Armed Men numbering 5 invaded the home of Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, and carted away 5 phones including 1 Samsung phone, 2 iPhones, 2 iPads; 2 Macbook pro laptops, a Dell laptop, a Toyota Corolla 2014 car, pieces of jewelry, ATM cards, cars keys, Bank Tokens, office documents among other valuables belonging to Mr Suraju and his Family. The assailants who were heavily armed with guns, knives, and other dangerous weapons also threatened to kill Mr Suraju, and physically hit him and his wife both of whom had to be hospitalised.”
According to a statement issued by his HEDA Resource Centre, signed by the Executive Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Arigbabu, said “the assailants who were caught on CCTV camera invaded Mr Suraju’s home in Lagos at around 2:15 am on Monday, 28th March 2022, breached the Estate’s Security and burgled the security features in his house with sophisticated tools.”
PROMAD said the fact that the armed did not only stole his belongings and that of his family but also threatened to kill him is a source of concern for all of us in the development and civic space. “We wish Mr Suraju and his wife a quick recovery,” said Mr Omokungbe.
The organisation called on the federal government, security agencies and international partners to provide safety nets for anti-corruption organisations and individuals working to protect the common resources of the country for the good of all. They don’t deserve to die in calling for a corruption-free country.
E-Signed:
Daisi M. Omokungbe
Executive Director