The development was disclosed in a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by his lawyer, C.A. Duku Esq., a copy of which was made available to Nigeria Watchdog newspaper.
Chief Athan Iwuchukwu, an indigene of Umukaiba, Amaigbo in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State, has dragged the Executive Chairman of Nwangele Local Government Area to court over the alleged misappropriation of council funds.
The petition, which was acknowledged by the office of the EFCC Chairman on July 22, 2026, stated that the petitioner, described as a concerned citizen and stakeholder in Nwangele LGA, was worried that despite the huge monthly allocations received by the council, there were no commensurate projects to justify the expenditure of the funds.
According to the petition, “Our client has observed with great concern that despite the enormous monthly allocations received by the council, there are no visible projects to reflect or suggest that these humongous funds were judiciously applied for the benefit of the people of Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State.”
The petitioner added that copies of the allocations released to the local government by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) from October 2024 to May 2026 were attached to support the allegations.
The petition further stated that the petitioner had previously taken steps to seek accountability from the council chairman over the alleged underutilization, diversion and/or misappropriation of public funds.
It also revealed that he had written to the chairman on June 18, 2026, requesting information pursuant to Section 1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, but was dissatisfied with the outcome.
Some indigenes of Nwangele, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed support for the petition, saying the move was aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
One of the residents said, “Like many of us, the petitioner has taken note of the huge sums of money that accrued to Nwangele Local Government Area over the past two years, with little or nothing to show for it. We support his decision to seek accountability through the appropriate legal channels.”
Other residents who commented on the development said the petition had once again highlighted concerns over alleged lack of transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources in some local government areas in the state, urging relevant anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
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