Several top officials of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, along with some consultants, are currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged misappropriation of N4.6bn meant for local government administration in the state.
It was gathered that the suspects, who were arrested approximately one week ago, remain in detention at the EFCC’s zonal office in Makurdi, the state capital, as investigators continue to unravel the details of the alleged financial sleaze.
The commission is investigating claims that the funds, earmarked for the 23 local government councils across the state, were diverted through consultants under the pretext of conducting audits of council staff, pensioners and Primary Healthcare workers.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that all 23 local government chairmen have been invited by the anti-graft agency to explain their involvement in the matter.
Directors of General Services and Treasurers from the affected councils have also been interrogated.
A council chairman, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the ongoing investigation, explaining that the decision to engage auditors was necessitated by systemic irregularities discovered upon assumption of office.
“We took the decision to conduct the audit because of the mess we inherited. It was a collective resolution reached during our joint meeting,” the chairman stated.
He disclosed that the consultants were contracted to audit staff of local governments, pensioners, Primary Healthcare employees and personnel of Local Government Education Authorities, adding that the exercise began about two weeks ago and was still ongoing in several councils.
The chairman further explained that consultancy fees varied across the 23 local government areas, depending on the volume of work required in each council.
He, however, appealed for caution against politicising the issue, describing the EFCC’s intervention as routine investigative procedure.
He commended the anti-graft body for its professional handling of those invited for questioning.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Oglegba, has assured that the state government would not interfere with the EFCC’s investigation.
Speaking on the matter, Oglegba said Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s administration maintained a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and was cooperating fully with the commission.
“I am aware of the situation, and so is the government. Given our zero-tolerance policy for anything fraudulent, we have allowed the process to run its course,” the commissioner said.
“The EFCC is conducting its investigation, and once completed, the findings will be made public. For now, the government will not interfere with the process.”
Oglegba confirmed that funds were indeed disbursed for the audit exercise, noting that the investigation seeks to establish whether due process was followed and if the payments were justified.
He warned public officials to always adhere to proper procedures, emphasising that the governor demands transparency and accountability in government transactions.
“Those in authority must understand that the governor insists on things being done properly. This is how the government has been able to reduce waste and improve expenditure. This investigation must be concluded properly so that lessons can be learnt,” Oglegba added.
At press time, the detained officials were said to be making arrangements for their bail.