Family of Major-General Akerejola Files EFCC Petition, Accuses Him of Looting Military Budget for Personal Assets Abroad

Major-General Erema Akerejola, a senior officer in the Nigerian Army, has been accused by members of his own family of embezzling millions of dollars meant for military welfare and logistics, and diverting the funds to operate private businesses and acquire luxury properties in the United States. The allegations were formally lodged in a petition submitted to Nigeria’s top anti-corruption agencies — the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The petition, spearheaded by his cousin, retired Major Fimihan Akerejola, claims that the army general established a network of companies and proxies to siphon funds earmarked for soldiers’ equipment and welfare. The most prominent among these companies is EMI Scanners Integrated Services Limited, incorporated in 2017 using the initials of his three children — Eren, Mebibora, and Isovie. The company, with registration number RC 1401640, lists General Akerejola’s father, mother, and cousin as directors and is alleged to have received military logistics contracts, the proceeds of which were then diverted for personal use.

According to the petition, Mr. Akerejola used his position in the Nigerian Army’s logistics and procurement departments to funnel contract opportunities to EMI Scanners and other shell companies. The operation was allegedly supported by close family members, including his wife, who registered LBCS LLC (Business ID: 18030370) in Atlanta, Georgia, under her name. The company is said to have served as a front for laundering proceeds from questionable military deals.

The family claims that the diverted funds were used to acquire several personal assets abroad, including a $1.38 million home located at 11860 Old Station Place, Alpharetta, Georgia. The property, a 4,100-square-foot residence with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, was not declared by General Akerejola in his public asset disclosures, in apparent violation of Nigeria’s code of conduct regulations for public officers.

The petition further alleges that Mr. Akerejola’s first cousin, Toba Oduwaiye, acted as a proxy in securing both minor and large-scale military contracts across several departments. Attempts by reporters to reach Mr. Oduwaiye for comment were unsuccessful.

Family members opposed to the alleged corruption say they have faced threats from the general, whom they accuse of using stolen public funds to settle family disputes and silence internal dissent.

When contacted for comment, Major-General Akerejola did not respond. The Nigerian Army also declined to issue a statement over the weekend. However, the military had previously defended the general in 2023 when he was first accused of acquiring undeclared foreign assets, arguing at the time that the properties belonged to his wife — a claim later contradicted by property records reviewed by People’s Gazette

An ICPC spokesperson confirmed receipt of the petition and said the agency had begun reviewing the allegations. The EFCC has not yet issued a public response, citing an ongoing investigation.

This latest case adds to a growing list of corruption scandals involving high-ranking Nigerian military officials. In 2023, Major-General Umar Mohammed, former group managing director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for misappropriating \$3.3 million. Separately, former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki remains under scrutiny in an unresolved case involving the alleged embezzlement of over N33 billion in funds meant for counterinsurgency operations.

The fallout from these corruption scandals continues to impact frontline soldiers, many of whom face delayed allowances, inadequate supplies, and outdated equipment. Earlier this year, numerous servicemembers reported unpaid Scare Scheme Allowances — a crucial component of their compensation package — and blamed worsening conditions under the current leadership of Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff.

As the petition against Major-General Akerejola gains traction, anti-graft agencies are under growing pressure to act decisively, not only to ensure accountability, but also to restore confidence in Nigeria’s military leadership.