Some top officials of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside consultants, are currently being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦4.6 billion fraud.
The officials were reportedly picked up about a week ago and are being held at the EFCC zonal office in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The anti-graft agency is investigating the alleged diversion of ₦4.6bn said to have been earmarked for local government councils across the state.
According to investigation findings, the funds were allegedly siphoned through consultants under the pretext of consultancy fees for auditing local government staff, pensioners and Primary Healthcare personnel in the 23 local government councils of the state.
It was further gathered that all 23 local government chairmen have been invited by the EFCC to explain their roles in the matter, while Directors of General Services and local government Treasurers have already been questioned.
Confirming the ongoing probe, a local government chairman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the EFCC was investigating consultancy fees allegedly amounting to ₦4.6bn.
He explained that the decision to approve the audit of local governments was taken collectively due to the level of irregularities discovered upon assumption of office.
“The decision to approve the audit of the local governments was taken because of the rot we met on ground. The resolution was reached during our joint meeting,” he said.
According to him, the consultants were engaged to audit local government staff, pensioners, Primary Healthcare workers and personnel of the Local Government Education Authorities.
He added that the consultants commenced work about two weeks ago and were still operating in several local government areas.
While noting that the audit exercise was ongoing across all 23 local government councils, the chairman said the consultancy fees paid varied depending on the workload in each council.
He cautioned against politicising the matter, describing the EFCC probe as a routine investigation, and commended the anti-graft agency for its professionalism in handling those invited.
Also confirming the investigation, the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Oglegba, said the state government would not interfere with the EFCC’s activities.
Oglegba stressed that the government has zero tolerance for corruption and is fully cooperating with the anti-graft agency.
“I am aware of the situation, and the government is also aware. Because of our zero tolerance for anything that is not straightforward, we have allowed the process to continue,” he said.
“The EFCC is conducting its investigation, and when it is concluded, the findings will be made public. For now, the government does not want to interfere with the process.
“Yes, there is an allegation. Yes, monies were paid for the process. The investigation is to determine whether the payments were properly made and whether due process was followed. We are fully cooperating with the EFCC,” Oglegba added.
The commissioner warned public officials to always adhere strictly to due process, noting that Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia maintains a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“Those in positions of authority must understand that the governor wants things done properly. That is why the government has been able to minimise waste and improve expenditure. This investigation must be concluded properly so that lessons can be learnt,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the detained officials were said to be in the process of perfecting their bail.
Elijah Adeyemi
