Some members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday went on a rampage at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) in Ilorin, beating, wounding, and maiming no fewer than 20 staff members. The Managing Director of the facility, Olushola George Olumoroti, later described the incident as “corruption fighting back.”
Violent Protest Blocks Entrance
The labour union blocked the entrance of the LNRBDA early Monday morning, allegedly at the invitation of the former MD, Mudi Olayinka Raji. Instead of a peaceful protest, the demonstrators resorted to violence, beating and clubbing staff members, leaving three critically injured. Both entry and exit gates were completely shut down, preventing movement in and out of the premises.
According to eyewitnesses, the timely intervention of the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who mobilized his men and vehicles to the scene, prevented further damage.
MD Accuses Predecessor
Confirming the unrest that disrupted government activities, the MD accused his predecessor, Mudi Olayinka, of orchestrating the violence to frustrate an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct. He told journalists that Mudi, a former Ilorin Area Manager and current Kwara State chairman of the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAEE), instigated workers to barricade the agency’s premises and assault staff members to stop a committee investigating corruption allegations against him.
The LNRBDA boss said the incident was connected to a disciplinary process initiated before he assumed office in April 2025. He explained that the former MD had constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Raji over collection and non-remittance of government revenue.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
Olumoroti alleged that Raji was accused of diverting government funds, unauthorized collection of I Owe You (IOUs), and refusal to retire collected funds. He further claimed that Raji also approved IOUs for his wife, who was not an employee of the Authority. “All these allegations were backed with evidence,” he said.
Three separate disciplinary panels reportedly investigated the matter and found Raji and four others culpable, recommending sanctions including refund of unaccounted funds. Although the Federal Ministry of Water Resources later reduced the punishment to a warning letter and an undertaking of good behaviour after Raji’s appeal for leniency, he allegedly rejected the decision and petitioned the Minister, claiming the evidence against him was forged. The minister then directed that another committee be set up to verify the authenticity of his claim, and Olumoroti complied with that directive.
Corruption Fighting Back
The LNRBDA chief alleged that the protest and disruption were attempts to prevent the newly inaugurated panel from carrying out its assignment. “This action of barricading the gate, disturbing government activities and assaulting workers is simply an attempt to force government to abandon its own rules. It is corruption fighting back,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the LNRBDA boss said the management had documented the incident and would pursue necessary legal action against those involved in the violence. He promised legal action against the perpetrators of what he called “heinous crime against government activities.”
The Commissioner of Police confirmed that he sent his men to the scene to restore sanity, but added that no one was arrested.
