AGF Warns: Jail Awaits Council Officials Who Misuse LG Funds

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a stern warning to local government officials against violating the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government autonomy.

Speaking at a judiciary correspondents’ conference in Abuja on Thursday, Fagbemi emphasized strict enforcement of the ruling, vowing serious consequences for offenders.

He noted that governance at the grassroots level has “suffered a lot” in the past but expressed optimism that the implementation of local government autonomy would rejuvenate development.

“People at the grassroots have endured long-standing neglect, and it is enough,” Fagbemi declared. “The administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR) is determined to correct past wrongs and elevate the nation.

Any sabotage of these efforts will be met with decisive action. Unlike governors, who enjoy immunity, local government officials are fully accountable and must act responsibly.”

Fagbemi warned officials against mismanaging funds, saying, “They must choose between tampering with local government funds and going to jail, or building legacies through impactful projects like upgrading roads, schools, and hospitals. The choice is theirs, but life must return to the local governments.”

The Supreme Court's July ruling affirmed financial autonomy for local governments, barring governors from controlling their funds. The AGF was directed to ensure allocations are paid directly into local government accounts to strengthen grassroots governance.