Court Directs EFCC to Investigate Abia State LG Funds from 2019 to 2023

Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the management of funds allocated to Abia State’s 17 local government areas between 2019 and 2023.

The directive followed an ex-parte application filed by Chidiebere Ojukwu, an Abia State citizen and transparency advocate, in case number FCT/HC/CV/4961/2024. The lawsuit names former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Rt. Hon. Prince Christopher Enweremadu, former aide to the state’s immediate past governor, Erondu Uchenna Erondu, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Deaconess Joy Nwanju, as defendants. The EFCC is listed as the fourth defendant.

Court Demands Detailed Investigation and Asset Disclosure

Justice Kawu instructed the EFCC to file a certified true copy of its investigation report or details on how the funds were managed. Additionally, the court ordered the seizure of the defendants’ international travel documents.

The court also directed the defendants to submit sworn declarations within 48 hours, detailing:

• Their interests in companies, including Forms CAC7 and CAC7A.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association for these companies.
• Evidence of annual returns filed with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) from 2019 to date.
• Audited financial statements for the same period.
• Individual and company tax clearance certificates from 2019 onwards.
• Lists of domestic and foreign bank accounts, as well as movable and immovable properties in and outside Nigeria.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The plaintiff alleges that over ₦5 billion was allocated to the 17 LGAs in Abia State during the stated period, but no elections were held to fill legislative seats. Instead, the state relied on “transition chairmen,” a practice not recognized by the Nigerian Constitution.

The defendants are accused of overseeing the funds allocated to the LGAs through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The plaintiff seeks a court order compelling the EFCC to prosecute the defendants based on their involvement in the alleged mismanagement of the funds.

Next Steps

The court has set December 9 as the date for further proceedings and shortened the timeline for the case to be heard. The EFCC and other defendants are expected to comply with the court’s orders promptly.