The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained some top officers of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as consultants, in connection with an alleged N4.6 billion scam.
According to reports, the officers were arrested around a week ago and are currently being held in the EFCC zonal office in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
The EFCC is looking into the alleged diversion of N4.6 billion destined for local government councils in the state.
According to investigations, the cash was allegedly diverted through consultants under the premise of consulting fees for auditing local government staff, retirees, and primary healthcare professionals across the state’s 23 local government councils.
It was also revealed that all 23 local government chairmen have been summoned to account for their roles in the incident, while directors of general services and treasurers have already been questioned.
Confirming the probe, a local government chairman who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the EFCC was looking into consultancy fees purportedly totaling N4.6 billion.
“The decision to approve the audit of the local governments was taken because of the rot we met on the ground. The resolution was reached during our joint meeting,” he said.
According to him, the auditors were hired to audit local government employees, pensioners, primary healthcare workers, and individuals from Local Government Education Authorities.
He stated that the auditors had started work roughly two weeks ago and were still working in numerous councils.
While saying that the audit was proceeding in all 23 local government areas, the chairman stated that the price paid for the consultant varied according to the workload in each council.
He warned against politicizing the case, calling the EFCC inquiry as usual. He went on to say that all who had been invited thus far had been treated professionally, and he praised the anti-graft agency’s actions.
Also confirming the investigation, Mr. Michael Oglegba, the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, stated that the state government will not interfere with the EFCC’s investigation.
He stated that the administration has zero tolerance for corruption and is fully collaborating 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,” Oglegba said.
“The EFCC is carrying out 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 anti-graft agency,” he added.
The commissioner cautioned government officials to always adhere to due process, emphasizing that Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has no tolerance for corruption.
“Those in positions of authority must understand that the governor wants things done properly. That is why the government has been able to minimize waste and improve expenditure. This investigation must end properly so lessons can be learned,” he said.
