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 assets 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. shows that the anti-graft agency formally received the petition.
Originally addressed to the Department of State Services and dated May 1, 2025, the petition was signed by the group’s president, Ibraheem Semako. It outlines several allegations and provides what the group describes as supporting addresses, names of alleged collaborators and descriptions of financial practices purportedly affecting development in the LCDA since 2021.
Petitioners Allege Poor Governance Despite Allocations
According to the petition, Hon. Gbenu — who began his second term on July 27, 2021 — has allegedly overseen the council in a manner the group describes as opaque and ineffective. The petition claims the Chairman attends office irregularly and is “detached from governance.”
The group alleges that despite significant statutory allocations to the LCDA between 2021 and 2025, only three major projects are visible:
- A six-classroom block at Emuko Primary School
- A maternity centre in Boglo
- An administrative block at the council secretariat in Kankon
The petitioners further claim that no new roads, water projects, electrification efforts or welfare initiatives have been delivered, describing the state of the LCDA as “pathetic” and inconsistent with the reported volume of federal allocations.
Alleged Acquisition of Fuel Stations and Other Properties
The petition lists several properties it alleges are linked to Hon. Gbenu, claiming they were acquired within four years without being declared in any official asset register. Among the properties listed are:
- AP Fuel Station at Roundabout, Badagry
- AP Fuel Station opposite Badagry Grammar School
- OLASEDO Fuel Station at Iyana Iyafin
- A developing beach resort after Sultan Beach on Seme Road
- A plot of land at Y-Junction, Dokoh, allegedly valued above ₦48 million
The group alleges that these assets may have been funded with diverted council resources. None of these claims has been independently verified, and Hon. Gbenu has not responded publicly at the time of filing this report.
Alleged Financial Transfers to Political Associate
The youth group also alleges that a portion of the LCDA’s monthly allocations is being diverted to Hon. Hontonyon Bamgbose, described as the Chairman’s political mentor. According to the petition, the funds were allegedly used to finance political activities and ongoing intra-party disputes.
The petition claims this relationship has placed undue financial strain on the council’s resources.
Three Alleged Collaborators Named
The petition names three individuals it claims assist in the alleged diversion of funds and concealment of assets:
- Sunday Josiah (known as Achiever)
- Ajaneson Olajide
- Wheto Meshack
The petition alleges that these men help with property procurement and movement of funds. These claims remain unproven, and none of the individuals named has publicly responded.
Alleged Attempt to Install Vice Chairman as Successor
According to the petition, Hon. Gbenu and close associates are allegedly supporting the Vice Chairman, Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (Rikay), as a successor. The group claims council funds are being used for political mobilisation. No independent confirmation of this claim has been established.
Petitioners Call for Forensic Audit
Integrity Youths of Badagry West argues that the alleged diversion of resources has worsened living conditions in the LCDA. The petition cites several federal laws and requests:
- A comprehensive investigation of Hon. Gbenu and all persons named
- A forensic audit of LCDA accounts from July 2021 to date
- A probe into all properties associated with the Chairman
- Prosecution of any individuals found culpable
The petitioners say they are ready to provide additional documents, photographs and clarifications.
No Official Response Yet
As at press time, Hon. Gbenu, Hon. Bamgbose, the vice chairman and all other individuals named in the petition had not publicly commented on the allegations. The EFCC has also not issued any statement on the petition or the next steps.