The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has acknowledged receiving a petition from a civic group, Integrity Youths of Badagry West, alleging corruption, misappropriation of public funds and unlawful acquisition of properties by the Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Hennugbe Joseph Gbenu.
A stamped acknowledgment dated May 7, 2025, at 11:25 a.m., confirms that the petition was formally received by the anti-graft agency.
The petition, originally dated May 1, 2025, and first addressed to the Department of State Services, was signed by the group’s president, Ibraheem Semako. It contains several allegations, including addresses of properties and names of individuals the group claims were involved in activities they say have hindered development in Badagry West LCDA since 2021.
Petitioners Allege Poor Development Despite Billions in Allocations
According to the document, Hon. Gbenu—who began his second term on July 27, 2021—has allegedly operated the council in a manner the group describes as opaque and ineffective. The petition further alleges that the Chairman “attends office at his convenience” and “acts like an emperor at the council secretariat.”
Despite what the petitioners describe as billions in statutory allocations between 2021 and 2025, they claim that only three major projects can be visibly attributed to the administration:
* A six-classroom block at Emuko Primary School
* A maternity centre in Boglo
* A new administrative block at the LCDA headquarters in Kankon
The petition alleges that no new roads, water projects, health facilities, electrification works or welfare programmes were executed during the period, describing the overall state of the LCDA as “pathetic.”
Chairman Allegedly Linked to Series of Properties
The petition lists several properties the group alleges were acquired by Hon. Gbenu within four years. It claims the assets may have been funded through diverted public resources, though no independent verification has been made.
The properties listed include:
* AP Fuel Station at Roundabout, Badagry
* AP Fuel Station opposite Badagry Grammar School
* OLASEDO Fuel Station at Iyana Iyafin on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway
* A developing beach resort after Sultan Beach, Seme Road
* A plot of land valued at over ₦48 million at Y-Junction, Dokoh
The petition claims that these properties were not declared in any known asset register and raises questions about their funding sources.
Alleged Financial Transfers to Political Associate
Integrity Youths of Badagry West also alleges that a portion of the LCDA’s monthly allocation was diverted to the Chairman’s political associate, Hon. Hontonyon Bamgbose. According to the petition, the funds were allegedly used to finance political disputes in Badagry and to support litigation following a 2019 primary election issue.
The petition claims that Bamgbose allegedly enjoyed “a large share” of council finances, though none of these claims has been independently confirmed.
Three Individuals Named as Alleged Collaborators
The petition identifies three individuals the group alleges were involved in the movement of funds and acquisition of properties:
* Sunday Josiah, also known as Achiever
* Ajaneson Olajide
* Wheto Meshack
According to the petition, the individuals allegedly assisted in procurement processes and in concealing ownership of certain assets through unofficial channels.
Alleged Support for Vice Chairman’s Political Ambition
The petition further claims that Hon. Gbenu and his associates are supporting the Vice Chairman, Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (Rikay), as a potential successor. The group alleges that “large sums of council funds” are already being deployed for political mobilisation ahead of the next council election. These claims remain unverified.
Petitioners Call for Forensic Audit
Integrity Youths of Badagry West argues that the alleged diversion of funds has negatively affected residents, claiming it has led to preventable hardship due to the absence of essential services.
The petition cites the EFCC Act, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, and provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and requests:
* A full investigation of Hon. Gbenu and other persons mentioned
* A comprehensive forensic audit of LCDA accounts from July 2021 to date
* A probe of all properties linked to the Chairman
* Prosecution of any individuals found culpable
Mr. Semako also expressed willingness to provide additional evidence, photographs and clarifications when required by investigators.
No Official Response Yet
As of press time, Hon. Gbenu and the other individuals named in the petition have not issued any public response. The EFCC has also not made any public statement on the petition or the next steps.