The Concerned Citizens For Transparent Governance in Owerri, Imo State, has asked anti-corruption agencies to probe the Agege Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State for alleged corruption
The “whistleblower” made the allegations in an October 14, 2024, petition signed by one Obafemi Adeyemi and received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on October 22, 2024.
Adeyemi indicated his agreement to testify against the chairman and applied for witness protection and strong protective measures for witnesses willing to testify.
In the petition written on behalf of “concerned citizens” of the LGA, Adeyemi accused the council chairman of “systematic and pervasive corruption, extensive money laundering, and far-reaching criminal conspiracy.”
He urged both agencies to “initiate proceedings to recover all stolen funds and illegally acquired assets.”
Among the allegations against the council boss are a N350m Legislative building complex fraud, health centre construction fraud whereby funds were allocated and “exhausted without project completion” and a “fraudulent vehicle acquisition scheme” involving “rapid acquisition of luxury vehicles.”
Others are “flagrant misuse of public funds for personal gain, subversion of due process, extensive abuse of office and aggressive land grabbing, particularly in the “Akilo Area Development scandal”, “Iloro Area land grab”, and conversion of government property for personal use.”
In another instance, the petitioner accused the chairman of “Massive Unexplained Wealth Accumulation and Extensive Property Acquisition, including the acquisition of “properties worth over ₦200 million in Ibara Housing Estate & Kenta area, Abeokuta, Ogun State.”
Furthermore, the chairman was accused of pervasive bid rigging and contract fraud including “manipulation of tendering processes and systematic rigging of bids for local government projects.”
Adeyemi said: “Given the systemic nature, complexity, and severity of these alleged crimes, we demand that the EFCC undertake the following actions:
“Asset Freeze and Financial Restrictions: Immediately freeze all personal and associated accounts of the chairman, his family members, and suspected allies.
“Place restrictions on all properties and assets linked to the chairman to prevent their disposal or transfer.
“Comprehensive Forensic Audit: Conduct a meticulous forensic audit of [Local Government Name]’s finances from 2017 to present.
“This audit should cover all projects, contracts, financial transactions, and decision-making processes.
“Extensive Asset Investigation: Thoroughly investigate all properties, businesses, and assets linked to the chairman, including but not limited to properties in Ibara Housing Estate & Kenta area, Abeokuta, filling station in Oyo State, multiple plots of land in various locations, fleet of luxury vehicles, and determine the true ownership, means of acquisition, and sources of funds for each asset.”
For contracts and procurement, he urged the anti-graft agencies to “Examine in detail all government contracts awarded during his tenure.
“Pay particular attention to the companies repeatedly involved and other companies/ business used by the chairman
“Investigate the beneficial ownership of these companies and their financial relationships with the chairman.”
In addition, he is seeking “a thorough investigation into the land grabbing and property conversion incidents especially in Akilo and Iloro areas. Interview of affected residents and review all related documentation and decisions.
“Collaboration with United Kingdom authorities to trace funds used for the chairman’s family’s relocation and education abroad. Investigate any properties or investments made in the UK or other foreign countries.”
He added: “We suggest that your commission Interview all local government employees, particularly those involved in the monthly “fictitious proposals” scheme. Offer whistle-blower protection to encourage full disclosure of information.
“Analyse tax records and asset declarations for evidence of tax evasion and undeclared wealth and collaborate with tax authorities to build a comprehensive picture of the chairman’s true financial status.”
“Based on the findings, it is our humble prayer that you prosecute the chairman and any co-conspirators to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to him, “this case represents not just isolated incidents of corruption, but a sophisticated, far-reaching, and deeply entrenched criminal enterprise operating under the guise of local governance.
“The scale, complexity, and audacity of these alleged crimes strike at the very heart of our democratic institutions and threaten the economic well-being and development of Agege Local Government.
“The recovery of stolen funds and the restoration of integrity to our local government are paramount. The people of Agege Local Government, and indeed all Nigerians, are watching closely and waiting for justice to be served.”
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