The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a high-profile investigation into the Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Council in Delta State, Honourable Dagidi Andaye. The probe centres on serious allegations of forgery and the illegal procurement of an unapproved loan worth N800 million from a commercial bank.
Petition Details and Key Allegations
This development was triggered by a formal petition submitted to the EFCC's Benin Zonal Directorate on January 14, 2026. The petition, dated January 8, 2026, was filed by fifteen councillors from the Bomadi Legislative Arm. They accused the council chairman and five other officials of financial impropriety, recklessness, and a grave abuse of office.
The core of the allegation is that the substantial N800 million loan was secured without the constitutionally mandated approval of the Bomadi Legislative House. The petitioners claim that the signatures of councillors were forged to facilitate the transaction, an act they describe as a serious breach of public trust and a financial crime that undermines local governance.
Those named alongside Chairman Andaye in the petition are:
- Hon. Doubra Wurukeseiye (alleged impeached Leader of the House)
- Hon. John Tome
- Asu Eteku (Head of Personnel Management)
- Adibor Senior (Council Treasurer)
- Hon. Porbeni Cletus
Political Fallout and Impeachment Threat
The financial scandal has ignited a parallel political crisis at the grassroots level. The fifteen councillors, who constitute a majority in the 20-member legislative house, have reportedly served an impeachment notice on Hon. Dagidi Andaye.
This notice has been forwarded to the Delta State House of Assembly, the Governor's Office, and relevant security agencies. The councillors further accuse the chairman of using the governor's name to intimidate lawmakers who oppose his actions, citing political threats and executive abuse of office.
In their petition, the lawmakers emphasised the severity of forgery under Nigerian law, which is punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment. They warned that failing to check such alleged actions would erode accountability in local government administration.
Next Steps and Official Response
The petitioners have urgently called on the EFCC to investigate the matter, recover the allegedly fraudulently obtained funds, and prosecute all those found culpable. The signatories to the petition include Hon. Peres Alari, Hon. Barbar Harris, Hon. Muturu Justice Ebimene, and twelve other councillors.
While the EFCC had not issued an official public statement at the time of reporting, a senior staff member of the commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed receipt of the petition and the commencement of investigative activities. Efforts to get a comment from Hon. Dagidi Andaye for his side of the story were unsuccessful.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with financial governance and accountability at the local government level in Nigeria, putting the anti-corruption agency's resolve to the test.
