𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗵𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The Nigeria Police Force has invited the immediate past Chairman of Ogulagha Community in Delta State, Mr. John Babapere, popularly known as "John Bull," for questioning over allegations of diversion, misappropriation, and mismanagement of funds belonging to the Ogulagha Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

The invitation follows allegations raised by members of the Ogulagha Kingdom concerning the management of billions of naira and millions of dollars reportedly remitted to the Host Community Development Trust under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to reports, the controversy centers on funds received by the Ogulagha HCDT from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), now operating as Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, as part of statutory contributions to host communities.

Documents reportedly acknowledged by the Inspector-General of Police indicate that a petition dated April 26, 2026, accused Mr. Babapere and Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika, owner of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited and operator of the Ajapa Marginal Field, of criminal breach of trust, violation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and diversion of community funds.

The petition alleged that between 2022 and 2025, the Ogulagha Host Community Development Trust received approximately ₦3.167 billion and an additional $4.173 million through the statutory three percent allocation from petroleum production revenues.

Under the Petroleum Industry Act, 75 percent of Host Community Development Trust funds are designated for community development projects, 20 percent for investments and contingency purposes, while five percent is reserved for administrative expenses.

However, concerned residents have alleged that despite the significant inflow of funds, the kingdom has witnessed little corresponding development. Community members cited poor road networks, dilapidated schools, and inadequate infrastructure as evidence of the lack of visible impact.

Sources within the community claimed that only a fraction of the funds can be linked to tangible projects, while questions continue to surround the utilization of the remaining funds.

Residents also expressed concerns over the management of the trust's investment portfolio, alleging a lack of transparency regarding returns generated from the 20 percent investment allocation.

Further allegations suggest that some members of the traditional leadership structure wield significant influence over employment opportunities, contract awards, and engagements involving oil companies operating within the kingdom. Some residents claimed that individuals who question the management of trust funds face intimidation and possible exclusion from economic opportunities.

Community stakeholders have called on anti-corruption agencies, regulatory authorities, and oversight institutions to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of all Host Community Development Trust accounts, investments, expenditures, contracts, and projects executed from 2022 to date.

They also urged authorities to ensure accountability for any individual found culpable following a thorough investigation.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has formally invited Mr. Babapere to appear before investigators as part of its ongoing inquiry.

In a letter dated June 4, 2026, issued through the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, the former chairman was requested to report to the IRT Complex, Abuja, for questioning.

The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Adamu S. Mu'azu, Commander of the Intelligence Response Team, stated that the invitation forms part of a fact-finding exercise aimed at ensuring justice and fairness in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The development has heightened calls within the Ogulagha Kingdom for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds earmarked for host community development and welfare.

As of the time of filing this report, the allegations remain under investigation and no court has established criminal liability against any of the individuals named.