LG Funds Used For Council Supplies, EFCC Witness Tells FCT High Court

A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that funds withdrawn from several local government accounts in Kogi State were used to procure supplies and services intended for the benefiting councils.

Testifying before the court, the witness said financial records and payment vouchers presented as evidence showed that the transactions were linked to projects allegedly executed on behalf of different local government areas. According to the prosecution, the documents form part of efforts to establish how public funds were managed and whether due process was followed in the approvals and disbursements.

The witness further explained that investigators traced multiple transfers from council accounts to contractors and service providers, adding that the EFCC relied on bank statements, approvals and internal memos during its review. Some of the exhibits were admitted by the court following arguments between prosecution and defence lawyers over their relevance to the case.

During cross-examination, defence counsel maintained that the expenditures were legitimate and carried out in line with administrative procedures, insisting that the funds were not diverted for personal use. The defence also challenged certain interpretations of the financial documents, urging the court to consider the broader context of council operations.

The presiding judge adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of hearing, directing both parties to prepare further submissions as the trial progresses. Proceedings are expected to resume with additional witnesses and more documentary evidence to be presented by the prosecution.