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EFCC quizzes Benue officials over alleged N4.6bn fraud

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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.

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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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Crime

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

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The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

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“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

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Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

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The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

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Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

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The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.

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