Supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State have asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Governor Dauda Lawal over the alleged disappearance of ₦16.4bn meant for youth development.
The group said the funds were reportedly expended under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2024 but could not be traced within official records.
In a statement on Sunday, the Secretary of the group, Dr Surajudeen Muhammad, demanded what he described as immediate and comprehensive accountability.
“Zamfara State is not a personal estate, and public funds are not private property,” he said, adding that youths deserved opportunities, not excuses and silence.
The group called on the EFCC to act without fear or favour, insisting that the funds must be traced from source to destination.
“Every kobo must be recovered and all those involved brought before the court,” Muhammad said.
The APC supporters accused the administration of betraying public trust, describing the alleged disappearance as a direct attack on the future of Zamfara youths.
They argued that the matter went beyond a routine accounting lapse, calling it a serious governance failure requiring urgent explanation.
According to the group, the funds were neither captured in the state budget nor known to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
They cited the Permanent Secretary of the ministry as saying the ministry neither received nor approved such funds and that its total budget did not come close to ₦16.4bn.
The group said the revelation raised serious questions about transparency and financial control under Governor Lawal’s leadership.
“This is not governance. This is alleged daylight robbery carried out under the cover of authority,” the statement added.
They warned that if the governor claimed ignorance, it would suggest a dangerous lack of control, but if he was aware, the implications would be far more serious.