The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to investigate allegations of diversion of local government funds in Kogi State, following a petition submitted yesterday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said this while addressing a peaceful protest by members of the Igala Youth Council (IYC) and other concerned civil society organisations from Kogi State.

The protesters had stormed the commission, alleging a systematic diversion of funds meant for grassroots development, workers’ welfare, and community projects across the 21 council areas of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Onogu Collins, President of the Igala Youth Council, stated that the alleged diversion of funds had crippled local administration and deprived communities of basic services.  He urged the anti-graft agency to conduct an independent audit of all council allocations from 2024 to date, and prosecute those found culpable

He claimed that the analysis of publicly available records showed gaps between allocations and salary expenditure across the councils.  Collins said the observations necessitated clarification and enhanced oversight.

Receiving the petition, Oyewale said: “We can assure you that as usual with the EFCC, diligent investigation will be carried out and the petition will be looked into.”