Some principal officers of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside consultants, are currently being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N4.6bn fraud.
It was gathered that the officials, who were picked up about a week ago, are still in custody at the EFCC zonal office in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The EFCC is investigating the alleged diversion of N4.6bn said to be meant for local government councils in the state.
Investigations revealed that the funds were allegedly siphoned through the consultants under the guise of consultancy fees for auditing local government staff, pensioners and Primary Healthcare personnel across the 23 local government councils in the state.
It was further learnt that all 23 local government chairmen have been invited to account for their roles in the matter, while Directors of General Services and Treasurers had already been questioned.
Confirming the investigation, a local government chairman who spoke on condition of anonymity said the EFCC was probing consultancy fees allegedly running into N4.6bn.
“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 auditors were engaged to audit local government staff, pensioners, Primary Healthcare workers and personnel of the Local Government Education Authorities.
He added that the auditors commenced work about two weeks ago and were still operating in several councils.
While stating that the audit was ongoing across the 23 local government areas, the chairman said the amount paid for the consultancy varied depending on the workload in each council.
He cautioned against politicising the matter, describing the EFCC probe as a routine investigation. He added that those invited so far were treated professionally and commended the anti-graft agency for its conduct.
Also confirming the investigation, the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Oglegba, said the state government would not interfere with the EFCC’s probe.
He said the government had zero tolerance for corruption and was 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,” 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 warned government officials to always follow due process, stressing that Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia had zero 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 minimise waste and improve expenditure. This investigation must end properly so lessons can be learnt,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the detained officials were said to be processing their bail.
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