I Can’t Sleep in My House: Ikwuano Revenue Collector Cries Out Over Threats Alleges Illegal Payments to Mayor, Wife

By Chimamanda Ezekiel

Barely 24 hours after Famous Reporters published explosive allegations of suspected illegal revenue collections in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, the whistleblower behind the claims says he is now living in fear. Prince Ihechi Igbokwe, a former revenue collector, alleges that death threats and intimidation have forced him to abandon the safety of his home, prompting fresh calls for security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure his protection.

Prince Ihechi Igbokwe, a former revenue collector in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, alleges he has received threats after accusing senior local government officials of illegal revenue collections. He says he can no longer sleep in his home because of fears for his safety and has appealed to security agencies for protection. The allegations have not been proven in court, and those mentioned have the right to respond.

Whistleblower Raises Fresh Alarm After Explosive Revenue Allegations

Igbokwe, an indigene of Awomukwu—the same community as the Executive Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani—claimed that since speaking out publicly, he has been subjected to threats and intimidation, forcing him to abandon the safety of his home.

‘I Can’t Sleep in My House Anymore,’ Former Revenue Collector Alleges

In an exclusive follow-up interview with Famous Reporters, the visibly distressed 36-year-old father of two alleged that he could no longer move about freely nor sleep at his house, because of fears for his safety.

“I can’t move freely anymore. I can’t even sleep in my house because of the threats,” he said.

Allegations of Illegal Revenue Collections in Ikwuano LGA

The latest development follows Famous Reporters’ earlier report in which Igbokwe alleged that he was compelled to remit various sums of money to individuals allegedly connected to the leadership of the local government while serving as a revenue collector.

In that report, he alleged that weekly payments amounting to ₦120,000 were made to the wife of the council chairman, while several other payments were allegedly made to other persons connected with the revenue collection system.

According to him, he was mandated to remit the huge sum in addition to the legally approved revenue payable to the state. He claimed that repeated attempts to explain to the Mayor’s wife, Mrs. Nnena Fedelia Nwaubani, that he could barely realise such an amount were unsuccessful.

He further alleged that she insisted on receiving the money in cash and would not accept excuses for any delay in payment. According to him, failure to remit the money promptly attracted severe consequences, compelling him to sell some of his pigs from his farm in order to be able to raise the stipulated amount of money, and visit her residence regularly to make the payments.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the situation alleged that since Dr. Nwaubani assumed office as Mayor, his wife has wielded significant influence over the affairs of the council. Famous Reporters could not independently verify this claim.

Igbokwe also claimed to possess bank transfer receipts and other documents which he says support some of the alleged transactions.

Whistleblower Claims He Has Documentary Evidence

Speaking further during the latest interview, Igbokwe alleged that those he accused are now demanding that he prove his claims and that the pressure on him has intensified.

According to him, the chairman, during one of their telephone conversations, allegedly told him that “we will keep moving and moving and moving up until everyone tells the truth” after presenting evidence of the alleged payments.

Meanwhile, in a voice recording obtained by Famous Reporters, the Executive Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, was heard questioning the former revenue collector over his decision to invite the Youth Chairman, Comrade Francis Okechukwu, to the scene.
Responding, Ihechi said: “I got there in the morning and saw different faces, so I decided to invite the party to the place.”
The visibly agitated Mayor then queried why Ihechi allegedly claimed that he remitted ₦300,000 to him daily.
In a swift response, Ihechi replied: “What I remitted was ₦120,000 weekly.”
The Mayor immediately asked: “You remitted to me?”

Ihechi answered: “No, I remitted to your wife.”
Although he maintained that he was prepared
to substantiate his allegations, he said the atmosphere of intimidation had left him constantly looking over his shoulder.

He explained that while many of the alleged ₦120,000 payments were made in cash and therefore left no electronic trail, he possesses documentary evidence of several bank transfers involving smaller sums, including ₦10,000, ₦12,000 and ₦20,000, which he alleged were paid to persons linked to the arrangement, including the Mayor, his wife, her relatives and the Chief of Staff, among others.

Former Revenue Collector Alleges More Witnesses Are Ready to Testify

The former revenue collector further claimed that at least two other individuals who allegedly made similar cash payments are willing to testify whenever required.
He also alleged that other officials connected with the revenue administration collected money from him on different occasions, adding that some of those transactions are backed by documentary evidence.

Fear for Safety Grows as Threat Allegations Intensify

Expressing fear over his safety, Igbokwe disclosed that he was contemplating leaving his residence entirely.

“I’ll move out from my house and sleep outside,” he lamented during the interview.

Calls for Whistleblower Protection and Independent Investigation

Concerned by the gravity of the situation, a youth of the council (name withheld) urged him to exercise extreme caution, preserve all available evidence and avoid unnecessary telephone conversations with those allegedly involved. The source also reminded him of his young family “that still needs you to stay alive for them.”

The development has renewed public concern over transparency in local government revenue administration, whistleblower protection and public accountability in Abia State. It has also heightened calls for a thorough, impartial investigation into the allegations and the reported threats.

Whistleblower protection remains a significant issue in Nigeria, where individuals who report alleged corruption or abuse of office sometimes claim to face intimidation or reprisals. Advocates have repeatedly called for stronger safeguards to encourage citizens to report suspected wrongdoing without fear.

Famous Reporters calls on the appropriate security agencies to ensure the safety of Prince Ihechi Igbokwe and to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into both the alleversiongations and the reported threats, in the interest of justice and public confidence.

Famous Reporters Reaffirms Commitment to Fair and Balanced Reporting

The allegations contained in this report remain the claims of Prince Ihechi Igbokwe. Those mentioned have not been found liable by any court of law. Famous Reporters remains committed to fair, accurate and balanced reporting and will publish any response or clarification from the Chairman, his wife, the Chief of Staff or any other person mentioned as soon as such responses are received.

Meanwhile, Famous Reporters made repeated efforts to obtain the reactions of the Executive Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, his wife, Mrs. Nnena Fedelia Nwaubani, and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Eberechi Echefu Anthony, through telephone calls and WhatsApp messages before publication. However, none of them responded as of the time this report was filed. Their responses will be published if and when received.