Atlantic Chronicles

Zhoa Mayor Accused of Illegally Collecting, Embezzling Building Permit Fees

A public notice issued by the Municipal Treasury of Zhoa Council has accused the council's mayor, Njah Titus Ndongkeh, of allegedly collecting building permit fees directly from residents and the Market Mistress without remitting the money into the council's treasury.

The notice, dated July 1, 2026, states that the Municipal Treasury has not received any building permit revenue linked to the alleged collections and has therefore been unable to issue official State Treasury receipts for the payments. The Treasury described the practice as clandestine financial extortion, warning that any money collected outside official treasury procedures is unauthorised.

The Treasury has called on anyone who paid building permit fees and received receipts from members of the council executive to report to the Municipal Treasury for verification and authentication, raising fresh concerns over the possible diversion or embezzlement of public funds.

The notice further reminded the public that only the Municipal Treasurer, who also serves as the Principal Cashier of Zhoa Council, is legally authorised to collect state revenue, urging residents to ensure all future payments are made through the official treasury channel.