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 (EFCC) over an alleged ₦4.6 billion fraud.
It was gathered that the officials were arrested 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 reportedly meant for the state’s 23 local government councils.
Investigations revealed that the funds were allegedly siphoned through consultants under the guise of consultancy fees for auditing local government staff, pensioners and Primary Healthcare personnel across the councils.
It was learnt that the consultancy was meant to cover audits of local government staff, pensioners, Primary Healthcare workers and personnel of the Local Government Education Authorities.
According to The PUNCH, further findings showed that all 23 local government chairmen have been invited by the EFCC to account for their roles in the transaction.
Directors of General Services and local government treasurers were said to have already been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
Confirming the probe, a local government chairman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the EFCC was investigating consultancy fees allegedly amounting to ₦4.6bn.
“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,” the chairman said.
He explained that the auditors were engaged to audit local government staff, pensioners, Primary Healthcare workers and education personnel.
According to him, the audit exercise commenced about two weeks ago and is still ongoing in several councils.
He added that the amount paid for consultancy services varied across councils, depending on workload.
The chairman cautioned against politicising the matter, describing the EFCC’s action as a routine investigation.
He also commended the EFCC for its professionalism, noting that those invited had been treated with respect.
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 stressed that the administration 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,” 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.”
The commissioner acknowledged that funds were paid but said the probe would determine whether due process was followed.
“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.
Oglegba warned government officials to always adhere strictly to due process, stressing that Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia would not tolerate 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.