Ikwuano Revenue Scandal: Whistleblower Releases Payment Records After Alleged Threats, Says ‘I Can Prove Everything’

By Chimamanda Ezekiel

A former revenue collector says he has finally released the evidence he promised. After alleging threats to his life, Prince Ihechi Igbokwe has made public bank transfer receipts, WhatsApp records and other documents which he claims support his allegations against top officials of the Ikwuano Local Government. The allegations remain unproven, but the development has intensified public interest and renewed calls for an independent investigation.

Prince Ihechi Igbokwe, a former Ikwuano Local Government revenue collector, has released bank transfer receipts, WhatsApp records and other documents which he claims support his allegations of illegal revenue collections involving officials of the council. The allegations remain unproven, while those named retain the right to respond. Famous Reporters says the documents are being published as materials relied upon by the whistleblower, with their authenticity and legal implications to be determined by the appropriate authorities.

Following alleged threats to his life, former Ikwuano Local Government revenue collector, Prince Ihechi Igbokwe, has released documentary evidence which he says supports part of his allegations against the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, his wife, Mrs. Nnenna Idelia Anthony Nwaubani, and some of their relatives over alleged revenue collections.

Famous Reporters recalls that Igbokwe had earlier alleged that he was subjected to illegal revenue collections while serving as a revenue collector in the council. He also claimed that his life came under threat after making the allegations public, forcing him to seek safety and call for urgent intervention.

During a virtual interview with Famous Reporters, Igbokwe maintained that he was willing to provide evidence whenever required to support his claims.

According to him, his decision to release the documents also followed what he described as a telephone conversation with the Chairman, during which Dr. Anthony Nwaubani allegedly told him that everyone involved would eventually have the opportunity to tell the truth.

Famous Reporters also recalls that during a conversation with the Chairman’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Anthony Echefu Eberechi, who is believed to be a relative of the Chairman’s wife, the correspondent was asked whether documentary evidence existed to support the allegations before publication.

Recall also that the 36-year-old father of two had earlier stated emphatically that most of the major transactions were allegedly carried out in cash at the insistence of the Mayor and his wife, while a few were made through an OPay Point of Sale (POS) terminal.

Responding to that request, Igbokwe has now released bank transfer receipts, WhatsApp records and other materials which he claims are evidence of some of the payments he allegedly made while serving as a revenue collector.

According to the whistleblower, the documents represent only part of the transactions he previously referred to. He further claimed that other alleged payments made in cash would be corroborated by witnesses who are willing to testify if required.

Igbokwe said the release of the documents fulfils the commitment he made during his interview with Famous Reporters to provide every piece of evidence within his possession.

In line with its commitment to factual, balanced and evidence-based journalism, Famous Reporters is publishing the materials as documentary evidence relied upon by the whistleblower in support of his allegations.
However, the newspaper emphasises that the authenticity, interpretation and legal implications of the documents remain matters for the appropriate investigative and law enforcement authorities to determine.

The allegations against Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, Mrs. Nnenna Idelia Anthony Nwaubani, Mr. Anthony Echefu Eberechi and others remain unproven. They are entitled to respond, and Famous Reporters remains willing to publish any response or clarification in keeping with the principles of fairness, balance and responsible journalism.

Famous Reporters further recalls that Igbokwe had earlier alleged that his removal from office and the termination of his engagement followed his refusal to continue making alleged weekly payments of ₦120,000, which he claimed were demanded through the Chairman’s wife, Mrs. Nnenna Nwaubani.

He also alleged that, after his appointment was terminated, the Point of Sale (POS) machine issued to him by Access Bank for revenue collection was forcefully retrieved. According to him, the machine bore his name and was linked to his personal password. He further claimed that the branded jacket issued to him by the bank as part of his official work tools was also taken away.

According to Igbokwe, the alleged weekly remittance of ₦120,000 was unrealistic and far beyond what he could legitimately generate through revenue collection. He maintained that his inability to continue meeting the alleged demand ultimately led to the termination of his appointment.

Speaking during one of his telephone conversations with the Famous Reporters correspondent, Igbokwe also alleged that the repeated demands left him in severe financial hardship.

“Most times, I had to sell my pigs just to raise the money they demanded from me. I could hardly make a living for myself because of the constant remittances,” Igbokwe alleged.
He said he endured the situation for a long time in the hope of retaining his position but eventually decided to speak out after what he described as the unjust termination of his appointment.

The allegations made by Prince Ihechi Igbokwe remain his claims and have not been established by any court of law. All those mentioned in the report have the right to respond, and Famous Reporters remains committed to publishing any official reaction or clarification in accordance with the principles of fair, balanced and ethical journalism.