THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained several principal officers of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside private consultants, over an alleged N4.6 billion fraud linked to local government finances in the state.
News Point Nigeria gathered that the officials were picked up about a week ago and are currently being held at the EFCC zonal office in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as investigations continue into the alleged diversion of funds meant for the state’s 23 local government councils.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the anti-graft agency is probing allegations that the funds were siphoned through consultancy arrangements purportedly awarded for the audit of local government staff, pensioners, and Primary Healthcare personnel across the councils.
Investigations revealed that the money was allegedly paid as consultancy fees to auditors engaged to verify payrolls, pensions, and personnel records within the local government system. The EFCC is examining whether due process was followed and whether the payments were justified.
It was further learnt that all 23 local government chairmen have been invited by the commission to explain their roles in the matter. Directors of General Services and local government Treasurers have also reportedly been questioned as part of the ongoing probe.
Confirming the investigation, a local government chairman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the EFCC was probing consultancy fees allegedly amounting to 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,” the chairman said.
He explained that the consultants were engaged to audit local government staff, pensioners, Primary Healthcare workers, and personnel of the Local Government Education Authorities, adding that the exercise was aimed at cleaning up payroll irregularities.
According to him, the consultants commenced work about two weeks ago and were still operating in several councils at the time of the investigation.
While noting that the audit was ongoing across the 23 local government areas, the chairman said the amount paid to the consultants varied from council to council based on the volume of work involved.
He cautioned against politicising the matter, describing the EFCC investigation as routine. He also stated that those invited so far had been treated professionally by the commission, commending the agency for its conduct.
Also confirming the probe, the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Oglegba, said the state government would not interfere with the EFCC’s investigation.
Oglegba stressed that the administration of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has 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,” the commissioner 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,” he added.
Oglegba acknowledged that payments were made for the consultancy exercise but said the investigation would determine whether due process was followed and whether the funds were properly utilised.
“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 said.
The commissioner warned government officials to strictly adhere to due process, reiterating that the governor would not tolerate financial misconduct.
“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 added.
As of the time of filing this report, the detained officials were said to be processing their bail, while investigations by the EFCC continue.