The Orluzurumee Youth Assembly (OYA) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for an investigation into the alleged diversion and embezzlement of approximately ₦118.1 billion in public funds reportedly allocated to the twelve Local Government Areas in Orlu Senatorial Zone, Imo State, between September 2024 and June 2026.
The petition, filed against the immediate past chairmen of the twelve councils, was submitted on behalf of the Assembly by its legal counsel, Emmanuel C. Osi, Esq., of Sandalwoods Solicitors.
According to the Assembly, the petition was officially received and acknowledged by the Office of the EFCC Executive Chairman on 12 October 2026. The development follows earlier efforts by OYA to obtain financial records from the council chairmen through formal requests made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
The Assembly had sought details of allocations received by the councils and how the funds were utilised during the period under review.
Speaking on the petition, the National President of OYA, Prince Izunna Obiefule, said the action was intended to ensure that the former council chairmen account for the public funds entrusted to their respective administrations.
Obiefule explained that the Assembly approached the anti-graft agency to seek an independent investigation into the management of the funds and to strengthen the principles of transparency, accountability and responsible public leadership.
He expressed concern that, despite the substantial allocations reportedly received by the councils, many communities across Orlu Zone continued to experience inadequate road infrastructure, limited access to potable water and electricity, poorly equipped healthcare facilities, deteriorating schools and insufficient opportunities for youth empowerment.
According to him, the condition of public infrastructure across several communities raises legitimate questions about the extent to which public expenditure has translated into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
“The concern of the Orluzurumee Youth Assembly is that these funds may have been subjected to diversion, fictitious or improperly awarded contracts, or payments for projects that were never executed,” Obiefule stated.
He stressed that the allegations required proper investigation by the relevant authorities and called for a transparent examination of the councils’ financial records, contracts, project execution reports and payment documents.
The OYA President also urged political leaders and other public officeholders across Orlu Senatorial Zone to ensure that public funds under their control are fully accounted for and deployed towards infrastructure development, social services and programmes that address the needs of the people.
Obiefule maintained that public allocations were held in trust for the people and should be managed in accordance with applicable laws and principles of financial accountability.
The Assembly reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, good governance and sustainable development across the twelve Local Government Areas of Orlu Senatorial Zone.
