Court Orders EFCC To Submit Report On Abia State Local Government Funds Investigation
Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide a Certified True Copy (CTC) of its investigation report on funds allocated to Abia State’s 17 local government areas (LGAs) from 2019 to 2023.
The ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Chidiebere Ojukwu, who alleged mismanagement of funds during the four-year period. The court’s order, issued on November 20, was made public on Thursday in Abuja.
Justice Kawu mandated the EFCC to submit either the investigation report or a detailed account of the allocation and expenditure of the funds within the specified years. Additionally, the judge ordered a probe into the utilization of these funds and imposed restrictions on three former officials of the Abia State government, including the seizure of their international travel documents.
The individuals affected include:
Christopher Enweremadu, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Erondu Erondu, a former aide to the previous Governor.
Joy Nwanju, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
These officials were listed as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants in the suit, while the EFCC was named as the 4th defendant.
Justice Kawu instructed the defendants to submit, within 48 hours of being served, a sworn declaration of all companies in which they hold interests or positions. The submission must include documents such as Forms CAC7 and CAC 7A for each company.
The judge also approved expedited hearing of the case and ordered the EFCC to ensure all necessary processes are served ahead of the December 9 hearing.
The suit, brought by Ojukwu, highlights his commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, calling for an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of LGA allocations in Abia State over the four-year period.
