A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and the Igala Youth Council, IYC in Kogi State, have submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over what they described as a massive diversion of local government funds in the state through the controversial Lokoja Voucher Scheme.
The petition was received by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, who assured the groups that their concerns would be transmitted to the appropriate department for review.
Speaking during the presentation of the petition on Wednesday in Abuja, leader of the protesters and President of IYC, Comrade Onogu Collins, said their investigations uncovered “systematic and shocking discrepancies” in allocations and expenditures across local government areas in the state.”
“We have a responsibility to speak out when public funds meant for development, workers’ welfare and community progress are allegedly diverted,” he stated.
According to the petition, preliminary findings from Dekina, Yagba East and Adavi Local Government Areas show between 76% and 84% of annual allocations unaccounted for between 2024 and 2025, describing the figures as “clear red flags that demand an immediate forensic audit.”
The protesters are demanding an independent audit of all Kogi local government allocations from 2024 to date, immediate investigation and prosecution of individuals found culpable, and unrestricted access to statutory funds by elected council chairmen.
“We want transparency. We want accountability. The people of Kogi State deserve to know how their money is being used,” they added.
Responding on behalf of the EFCC, Oyewale commended the groups for following due process and assured them that the Commission is committed to its mandate.
“Your petition will be appropriately documented and forwarded for necessary attention,” he said, urging citizens to continue reporting credible cases of financial wrongdoing.