EFCC to Probe Alleged Diversion of LG Funds in Kogi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has assured that it will conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of diversion of local government funds in Kogi State.
The pledge followed a petition submitted to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday by members of the Igala Youth Council (IYC), led by their president, Onogu Collins.
The group called for urgent action over what it described as the “systematic misappropriation” of local government autonomy funds meant for grassroots development across the state’s 21 local government areas.
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In the petition dated November 26, 2025, the youths alleged that substantial portions of federal allocations released to Kogi’s local governments in 2024 and 2025 were unaccounted for.
They cited Dekina, Yagba East, and Adavi LGAs as examples where funds were allegedly diverted.
Part of the petition read: “We, the Igala Youth Council in Kogi State, write to bring to your attention the alleged misappropriation of Local Government Autonomy Funds in the state. Our findings indicate a systematic diversion of funds meant for grassroots development, workers’ welfare, and community advancement in the 21 LGAs.”
The group demanded an independent audit of all allocations released to Kogi local governments from 2024 to date, as well as the investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
They also called for full access to statutory funds by local government chairmen and greater transparency in the utilisation of public funds.
Responding to the protesters, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, assured that the commission would look into the petition.
“We can assure you that, as is customary with the EFCC, a diligent investigation will be conducted. The petition will be thoroughly attended to,” he said.
It will be recalled that in October 2024, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had vowed to intensify monitoring and tracking of expenditures by the 774 local government chairmen across the country.
He had also raised concerns over the excessive influence of state governments on local government finances, noting that the commission had expanded its presence nationwide to strengthen oversight.
