Kogi Agency Rejects Fraud Allegations

Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and administrative irregularities levelled against its executive chairman, Dr Salihu Sule Enehe.

It described the claims as false, misleading and aimed at discrediting the agency’s leadership.

The response followed a group of concerned stakeholders’ allegations that the chairman was victimising staff members, operating multiple accounts, revenue diversion and misappropriating public funds.

The group appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to order an independent audit of the agency and direct the chairman to step aside to allow for a thorough investigation.

On behalf of the management, the director of Income Tax, Mr Emmanuel Yusufu, said the Service operates under established rules and procedures, stressing that investigations and disciplinary actions against staff were handled by the Directorate of Legal Services and not personally by the chairman.

Yusufu maintained that staff postings and redeployments were routine administrative measures, while training and capacity building remain integral to the agency’s growth.

He also denied allegations of revenue diversion and operation of personal accounts for state funds, insisting that all collections are paid into government-approved accounts supervised by the Office of the State Accountant General.

The agency further justified recent office renovations and procurement exercises, noting that periodic upgrades are necessary after more than a decade of operations.

While condemning what it described as a campaign of cyber defamation, KGIRS warned that those spreading unverified allegations would be held accountable under the law.

According to the Service, monthly revenue generation has risen from over ₦700 million in 2021 to more than ₦3.5 billion under the current administration.

KGIRS, however, insisted that it remains committed to transparency, accountability and improved revenue generation, saying it would not be distracted by what it termed baseless accusations.