Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has suspended Mkor Aondona, his Special Adviser on Research and Planning, following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC announced on Saturday that Aondona was taken into custody after several female students accused him of sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and blackmail.
According to the petitioners, the governor’s aide allegedly demanded sexual favours in exchange for job opportunities and secretly recorded the acts without consent.
He then reportedly used the videos to threaten the victims, coercing them into continued sexual activity.
In a statement released on Sunday, Governor Alia explained that Mkor Aondona’s suspension is part of efforts to “uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service.”
The governor further emphasized that any member of his administration found guilty of criminal or ethical misconduct will be held accountable under the law.
“While assuring the public that the law will take its full course without interference or bias, the governor states clearly that his administration will not tolerate any act that brings the government into disrepute or undermines public trust,” said Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
“He points out that public office is a call to serve with honour, transparency, and responsibility, and anyone who deviates from this path will have no place in his government.”