Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The civic technology platform Tracka has exposed an alleged fraudulent expenditure of N50 million in the 2024 Delta State Budget Implementation Report, claiming that funds allocated for the construction of a Magistrate Court and a High Court in Erho, Abraka, in Ethiope East Local Government Area, were never used for any project at the site. A visit to the location revealed that no construction or renovation had taken place. Court officials, including a magistrate, told Tracka that they had no knowledge of the project and had never seen any work done. The roofs of some sections of the court complex were pulling off, and the entire compound was overgrown with bushes, a Tracka statement reported. Tracka noted that the benches currently in use at the court were provided by the community, not by the government.
Tracka, a subsidiary of BudgIT, is a civic tech platform that enables citizens to track government projects. The platform shared its findings on its social media handle on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The organisation detailed how the Delta State Government allocated N50 million for the construction of a Magistrate Court and a High Court in Erho, a community in Abraka. The report was part of the 2024 Delta State Budget Implementation Report. However, Tracka’s investigation revealed that the project was never executed. The team that visited the site found no evidence of new construction or renovation. The facilities that exist were built by the community. The magistrate at the court told the Tracka team that he had not heard of the project, nor had he seen any construction work. The roof of some parts of the court was already pulling off, and the entire premises were overgrown with weeds.
Tracka called on the office of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to look into the discrepancy and provide the public with details of the project. The platform also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch an immediate investigation into the matter. Tracka urged the government and relevant authorities to account for the spending.
The find is the latest in a series of revelations by Tracka concerning fraudulent budget items in Delta State. Earlier, the group had reported that a N50 million bridge project in Edo State was also abandoned. The group has been tracking projects across the Niger Delta. It has found that many projects were not executed despite funds being released. The group is also known for its campaign to ensure that public funds work for the people.
The Delta State Government has not yet issued an official statement on the issue. However, the State Government has consistently boasted of its high budget implementation rate. In 2024, the state was ranked second in the country for budget implementation, with a 97.9 per cent execution rate. Observers described the state as a benchmark for good governance and fiscal responsibility in Nigeria. The government has also been active in promoting infrastructure development. However, the Tracka report raises questions about whether the funds were actually spent on the projects as claimed. The government has not yet provided evidence that the project was executed. The call for an investigation by anti‑graft agencies is also growing. The EFCC and ICPC have the power to investigate and prosecute government officials for corruption.
The EFCC has been active in the state. It has previously investigated and prosecuted former officials of the state government for alleged corruption. The ICPC has also secured court orders empowering it to investigate government officials. The current governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was elected in 2023, has been making promises to complete inherited projects. The governor has also launched several infrastructure projects in the state. The judiciary has been one of the arms of government that has received attention from the state government. In 2024, the state completed a six-storey High Court complex in Asaba. The government also approved the construction of judges' quarters and the renovation of courts. However, these projects are in Asaba, not in Erho, Abraka. The state's capital city has seen an upgrade of its court facilities. But the Tracka report is about a different location.
The community members in Erho have expressed disappointment. They said they expected the new courts to be built in their area. The magistrate at the court told the Tracka team that he had not heard of the project. This is a clear indication that no work was done. The people are now calling for a proper investigation. They want the government to account for the money spent. The government has not yet responded to the allegations.
The issue has sparked a debate on social media. Many Nigerians are expressing outrage over the alleged fraud. They are calling for the anti‑graft agencies to swing into action. The case also highlights the importance of civic tech platforms like Tracka in holding the government accountable. As the group continues to track public projects, it is likely to uncover more cases of fraud. For now, the people of Erho, Abraka, are waiting for the government to explain where N50 million meant for their courts went. The call for an investigation is growing louder. The government may be forced to act soon.
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