January 20, 2024 represents a milestone for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism and Social Justice (FIJ): three years of steadfast commitment to social justice and investigative reporting.

The plan from scratch was always to be the voice of the voiceless, to combat injustice, to hold the powerful accountable. Little did we know these ideals would translate, in part, to recovery of funds for the public. In our first year, we recovered N16,668,674 in the form of payment for services that were not delivered, bad businesses or investments, exploitation of civilians by the police, dubious bank deductions and so on.

By the second year, the figure nearly doubled, reaching N30,292,361. And, now, in year three, we have shattered even our own expectations: N79,618,559 recovered for Nigerians without taking back a kobo in exchange.

In three years of editorial operations, FIJ has now recovered a total of N126,579,594 for Nigerians.

Here’s a rundown of 10 of FIJ’s biggest fund recoveries of the last year:

1. Green Space Recycling CEO Refunds N42m After FIJ’s Story

Yemi Meigbope, CEO of Green Space Recycling, refunded N42 million to PSP operator Joshua Adegbola after FIJ reported on the N42,080,000 she collected for equipment procurement from China. The refund, the largest FIJ has facilitated, occurred 168 days after the initial story, with Meigbope making tranches of repayment from May to June 30, 2023. Adegbola, who secured loans to pay Meigbope, discovered the actual equipment cost was N15 million, revealing Meigbope had collected triple the cost without fulfilling the order.

2. Klasha Multinational E-commerce Refunds Doctor’s N570,000

Multinational e-commerce startup Klasha refunded N570,000 to a medical doctor after FIJ reported the loss of his savings in less than 24 hours. The medical doctor had saved the money to facilitate his travel to the United Kingdom but saw a notification showing a password reset to his Klasha account.

3. After FIJ’s Story, Stephen Akintayo’s Real Estate Company Pays Businessman’s N2.9m

Real estate company GText Homes, owned by Stephen Akintayo, settled a long-standing payment dispute with service supplier Adeshina Ogedengbe following FIJ’s intervention. The contractual breach involved the supply of laterite sand to GText’s Ikorodu Sapphire Estate.

Six months after FIJ’s initial report on GText Homes’ failure to fulfill its financial commitment, the outstanding balance of N2.9 million was resolved.

4. Pastor Repays Journalist’s N200,000 Debt After FIJ’s Report

Within 72 hours of media exposure by FIJ, Pastor Samson Dunamis of Abuja repaid a N200,000 debt owed to a UK-based Nigerian journalist since 2021. The journalist expressed gratitude for the swift resolution after two years of unsuccessful attempts to obtain a refund.

5. FIJ’s Report Prompts Recovery of Farmer’s N530,000 Truck Deposit

Olajide Oluwaseun, a resident of Kwara State, successfully recovered his withheld N530,000 deposit for a truck following FIJ’s story. Oluwaseun’s schoolmate suggested the truck purchase for a haulage business, requiring a N4.9 million deposit. After depositing N530,000 and discovering the truck’s poor condition, Oluwaseun sought a refund, which was initially denied. Despite unsuccessful attempts, Oluwaseun’s situation gained attention through FIJ’s January report, leading to a successful refund in November.

6. After FIJ’s Story, Zenith Bank Refunds Clergyman’s $2,400 Withheld for 17 Months

Zenith Bank refunded the withheld $2,400 to Adam Idakwo, an Abuja-based clergyman, after 17 months. FIJ’s coverage of the bank’s insistence on a telex copy before releasing the funds led to swift action. The bank eventually credited the tuition refund from an American university, resolving the issue that persisted for over a year.

7. Access Bank Returns ₦600,000 to Lagos Panel Beater After FIJ Report

Following FIJ’s report, Access Bank refunded ₦600,000 to Michael Ayodele Ogunjimi, a Lagos-based panel beater who faced deductions without the corresponding credits for his transactions. Ogunjimi expressed relief and gratitude, acknowledging FIJ’s role in escalating the issue for a quick resolution with Access Bank.

8. GTBank Returns N629,122 to Gas Retailer Following FIJ’s Intervention

Olakunle Michael, an Osun-based gas retailer, received a refund of N629,122 from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) after FIJ reported the challenges he faced with an unsuccessful online transaction.

Michael’s transaction failed, leading to difficulties in getting a refund despite formal complaints. FIJ’s involvement prompted GTBank to reverse the funds, resolving the issue that affected Michael’s business.

9. Oxfordgold Ltd Returns Investor’s N250,000 Capital

Oxfordgold Integrated Limited, an investment company, swiftly refunded Olaleye Olawode, a deacon whose N250,000 investment had amounted to nought. The refund camefive days after FIJ highlighted the impact on the Olaleye family.

10. Zenith Bank Returns N800,000 to Lagos Electrician After FIJ’s Report

Following FIJ’s report on how N800,000 mysteriously disappeared from the Zenith Bank acount of Thomas Ochuka, an electrician, the bank promptly refunded the entire sum within five days.

The disappearance of the funds occurred after a client sent the money to Ochuka on February 6 for a project, but FIJ’s intervention led to the recovery of the entire amount.