Victims of the devastating 2025 Mokwa flood in Niger State have formally petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Police, demanding an urgent investigation into the funding received and its utilisation.

This comes days after The Nation newspaper reported on the unfolding “Mokwagate” scandal involving the alleged massive diversion and mismanagement of billions of naira in relief funds and materials meant for victims of the flood.

In a petition dated 26th June, 2026, and submitted through I.U. Wali Law Firm, legal counsel representing Isah Abubakar (popularly known as Isah Mokwa), Mallam Hussaini Umar Kwangila, and Mr Bilyaminu Umar, all of Mokwa Local Government Area, detailed claims of corruption, diversion, and poor handling of humanitarian aid following the catastrophic flash flood that struck the town on 28–29 May, 2025.

The petition, addressed to the Chairman of the ICPC, described the flood as one of Nigeria’s most severe recent disasters, triggered by intense overnight rainfall that submerged Mokwa town, destroyed thousands of homes, claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and wiped out vast agricultural lands.

According to the petitioners, while some individuals, such as Mallam Hussaini Umar Kwangila and Mr. Bilyaminu Umar, were direct victims who lost property and loved ones, Isah Abubakar is acting both as a native of the area and as a public commentator closely linked to the affected community.

The document highlighted widespread public concern over the handling of relief materials and cash donations from government agencies, private individuals, corporate organisations, and international bodies. Billions of naira were reportedly mobilised within weeks of the disaster, including significant pledges from the Niger State Government, federal agencies such as NEMA, and various donors.

However, several victims claim they received little or nothing, with allegations of manipulated beneficiary lists, diversion of funds and materials, and failure to reach intended recipients, issues that The Nation had spotlighted in its recent investigative reporting on the “Mokwagate” scandal.

The petition calls for a thorough probe into these practices to ensure accountability and transparency, and to ensure justice is served for victims who are still grappling with loss and hardship more than a year after the tragedy.

The documents made available to the public show that the anti-corruption agencies acknowledged receipt of the petition.

This latest move reflected mounting frustration among Mokwa residents, as earlier reports, including those by The Nation, documented victim testimonies of unfulfilled promises, inadequate relief distribution, and public demands for donor registers and comprehensive accountability from the state government.

The 2025 Mokwa flood remained a painful chapter, with significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and long-term impacts on livelihoods in the region. Victims and advocates are now pushing for concrete action to prevent such alleged abuses in future disaster responses. (The Nation)

Update news