Ex-Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Monsuru Bello Embroiled in Multi-Billion Naira Contracts Scandal – ICIR Investigation Reveals Inflated Costs and Abandoned Projects

Lagos, Nigeria – February 27, 2026 – A damning investigation by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) has uncovered widespread irregularities in multi-billion naira contracts awarded by the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under former Chairman Monsuru Bello. The report alleges over ₦3 billion was spent on roads, drainage, and infrastructure projects that were inflated beyond market value, poorly executed, or outright abandoned, leaving residents grappling with dust, flooding, and deteriorating conditions.

The ICIR’s findings, published on February 26, 2026, detail several projects in Ejigbo LCDA, highlighting discrepancies between approved funds and on-ground execution. CivicWire.ng summarizes the key revelations below, underscoring the need for accountability in local governance.

Key Projects and Alleged Irregularities

1. Falana Street Project (Phases 1 & 2):
   • Phase 1: Approved for ₦505 million in January 2024 for 944 meters of reinforced concrete drainage. Only 514 meters were completed, valued at approximately ₦245 million by independent estimates—less than half the approved amount.
   • Phase 2: Approved for ₦213 million in July 2024, but remains unfinished and abandoned, with an estimated cost of ₦55 million for the remaining section.
   • Issues: Residents like Janet Adanyari and Quadri Lateef report persistent dust, flooding, and incomplete work, rendering the project ineffective during rains.
2. Majiyagbe Street Project:
   • Approved for ₦479 million. Only 120 meters of drainage were executed, valued at ₦16.5 million—indicating massive inflation (29 times over realistic costs).
   • Issues: Exposed trenches pose safety risks, with residents like Baba Ayinde Olohunloba forced to improvise repairs. The drainage fails during heavy rains, undermining its purpose.
3. Jubril Olabisi Street Project:
   • Approved for ₦922 million for 627 meters of road and drainage. Independent BOQ estimates it at ₦276 million—over three times inflated.
   • Issues: Completed but questioned for value, with contractor Rockdom Integrated Limited under ICPC investigation.
4. Sheik Niyass Street Project:
   • Approved for ₦981 million for 593 meters. Valued at ₦190 million by experts—over five times inflated.
   • Issues: Single-sided drainage; completed but disproportionate costs raise red flags.
5. Double Star Street Project:
   • Approved for ₦34 million to Gake Global Resources LTD in February 2025 for rehabilitation. Road remains pothole-ridden, with minimal work observed.
   • Issues: Residents report inconsistent repairs; materials possibly sourced from other sites, questioning execution quality.

Resident Testimonies and Impacts

Residents expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises. Adanyari highlighted daily dust affecting her shop, while Lateef noted vehicle damage and safety hazards. Olohunloba described incomplete drainage leading to floods, forcing community interventions. These accounts paint a picture of governance failures despite substantial funding.

Responses and Ongoing Investigations

• Former Chairman Bello declined comment, citing an ongoing ICPC probe.
• Attempts to reach Ogun State officials, the Ministry of Local Government, and contractors were unsuccessful.
• The ICIR’s FOIA requests to contractors and the council were denied or ignored.

The scandal underscores systemic issues in local contract awards, including lack of transparency and oversight. With ICPC involved, calls for accountability grow louder.

CivicWire.ng urges thorough investigations to restore public trust and ensure funds serve community needs. We will monitor developments.

Source: ICIR Nigeria Investigation (February 26, 2026).