By Musa Tanimu Nasidi.
The Kogi State Government has directed the former Director-General of the Bureau of Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Samari Abdulmalik Teina, to refund the sum of ₦204,922,022.00 (two hundred and four million, nine hundred and twenty-two thousand, and twenty-two naira only) to the state treasury within seven days.
The directive was contained in a letter dated October 6, 2025, and referenced S/GO/KGS/ADM/250/VOL.IV/2363, signed by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Ayoade Folashade Arike, Ph.D.
According to the letter, the decision followed the findings of a Special Audit Report conducted by the Office of the State Auditor-General on land acquisitions carried out by the Bureau of Lands and Urban Development, opposite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FAREC) office in Lokoja. The audit reportedly uncovered evidence of financial misappropriation during Mr. Teina’s tenure as Director-General.
The Secretary to the State Government stated that the order to recover the funds was issued under the directive of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State.
“I have been directed by His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State, to forward to you a demand notice to refund the total sum of ₦204,922,022.00 only, to the Bureau’s account within seven (7) days upon receipt of this letter,” the correspondence read in part.
The letter also provided details of the Bureau’s account at Jaiz Bank, instructing Mr. Teina to remit the funds promptly and forward evidence of payment to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State for further necessary action.
The government reiterated its commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management of public resources. Mrs. Ayoade emphasized that the administration would not hesitate to take decisive action against any public official found culpable of financial impropriety.
This latest development forms part of Governor Ododo’s broader anti-corruption drive aimed at sanitizing the state’s public service and recovering misappropriated funds to support development initiatives across Kogi State.
