By Abubakar Yunusa
A group, Eagle Eye Ijaw Frontiers, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate alleged diversion of funds by a factional President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri.
The group alleged that more than ₦2.5bn meant for youth development and institutional strengthening was misapplied, deepening divisions within the council.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Benjamin Benjamin said the slow pace of the IYC secretariat project was linked to the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the building.
He claimed that Tantita Security Services provided over ₦2.5bn for the construction of the IYC secretariat and that a committee was initially constituted to manage the project.
Benjamin alleged that Lokpobiri later took custody of the funds to oversee the project, a move the group said lacked transparency.
He further alleged that corporate and intervention agencies, including the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and the Niger Delta Development Commission, had also supported IYC programmes.
According to him, the funds were intended for youth welfare and the construction of a permanent IYC secretariat in Bayelsa State.
The group alleged that the project became a conduit for personal investments, including property developments in Yenagoa and other locations, claims it said required investigation.
Benjamin also demanded an explanation for 900 bags of cement reportedly donated by a construction firm for the project.
The allegations have renewed concerns over financial management and accountability within the IYC, with stakeholders warning that the controversy could weaken the body’s influence.
The group urged public agencies, oil firms and private donors in the Niger Delta to suspend further support pending clarification of the allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, Lokpobiri had not responded to the claims, despite efforts to reach him for comments.
