The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has promised to investigate fresh allegations that local government funds in Kogi State were diverted.
The pledge followed a petition submitted on Wednesday to the EFCC headquarters by the Igala Youth Council. The group, led by its president, Onogu Collins, called the alleged misappropriation a systematic scheme that deprived communities of development funds meant for grassroots projects across the 21 local government areas.
In the petition dated November 26, 2025, the youths claimed that large portions of federal allocations released to the councils in 2024 and 2025 had not been properly accounted for. They listed Dekina, Yagba East and Adavi as examples where they said funds did not match visible development.
Part of the petition read, “We, the Igala Youth Council in Kogi State, write to bring to your attention a pressing matter regarding the alleged misappropriation of Local Government Autonomy Funds in Kogi State. Our investigation reveals a systematic diversion of funds meant for grassroots development, workers’ welfare and community advancement in the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.”
The group asked the EFCC to conduct an independent audit of all allocations to the councils from 2024 to date and prosecute anyone found guilty. They also demanded that local government chairmen be given full access to their statutory funds and that the state provide greater transparency in spending.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who addressed the protesters, said the petition would not be ignored. He said, “We can assure you that, as is customary with the EFCC, a diligent investigation will be conducted. The petition will be thoroughly attended to.”
