The Kogi State Government has strongly rejected allegations that it diverted local government funds, describing the claims as false, politically motivated, and aimed at tarnishing the image of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) was built on “fabricated assertions” and intended to mislead the public.
Fanwo insisted that the state runs “one of the most transparent and accountable local government financial systems in Nigeria,” stressing that claims of fraud were part of a coordinated attempt to smear the government.
The petition, submitted by African Transparency Initiative (ATI), Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) and Concerned Kogi State Citizens, alleged widespread diversion of local council funds through the so-called Lokoja Voucher Scheme.
Dated November 18, 2025, and copied to several federal oversight institutions, the petition accused officials of siphoning money using fake vouchers, inflated contracts and projects that allegedly never existed.
It further claimed that shell companies linked to Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) were awarded questionable payments.
The groups also alleged that local council officials were pressured to approve documents without proper documentation such as Bills of Quantity, tender procedures or site verification.
They claimed fraudulent vouchers were processed monthly, draining funds meant for community development.
According to the petitioners, 95 per cent of the Local Government Service Commission’s statutory one per cent allocation was “re-looted” through non-tendered contracts.
The petitioners argued that the alleged violations breached provisions of the EFCC Act, ICPC Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and called for a full forensic audit of council finances from January 2024.
They also demanded prosecution of implicated officials and recovery of stolen funds.
However, Fanwo dismissed all allegations, insisting that the state government does not interfere with council finances.
“Not a kobo of local government allocation is touched by the state,” he said.
“Every council in Kogi receives its complete federal allocation and independently manages its payroll, projects, contracts and development priorities in accordance with the constitution.”
