EFCC Detains Benue Officials Over Alleged N4.6bn Local Government Fraud
Senior officials from Benue State's Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs remain in custody after being detained by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion of N4.6 billion intended for local government councils. The detentions, which began approximately one week ago, come as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected consultancy fee fraud across all 23 local government areas in Benue State.
Background and Context
The investigation centers on funds allegedly siphoned through consultants under the pretext of auditing local government staff, pensioners, and Primary Healthcare personnel. According to sources familiar with the matter, the audit was commissioned following what officials described as extensive "rot" discovered within local government operations. The EFCC's Makurdi zonal office is leading the investigation, with questioning extending beyond bureau officials to include Directors of General Services, Treasurers, and all 23 local government chairmen.
Key Figures and Entities
Principal officers of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs are among those currently detained. The Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Oglegba, has confirmed the investigation and emphasized the state government's non-interference policy. Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia's administration has publicly endorsed the anti-corruption stance, with Oglegba stating the governor maintains "zero tolerance for corruption." The unnamed local government chairman who spoke to media described the EFCC's conduct as professional and characterized the probe as routine.
Legal and Financial Mechanisms
The alleged fraud reportedly involves payments to external consultants tasked with auditing local government payrolls and personnel records across multiple departments. According to one local government chairman, consultancy fees varied by council depending on workload, with auditors having commenced work approximately two weeks prior to the detentions. The EFCC investigation seeks to determine whether these payments followed proper procurement procedures and whether the actual services rendered justified the expenditures. Officials are currently processing bail applications while remaining in EFCC custody.
International Implications and Policy Response
This case highlights Nigeria's ongoing challenges with sub-national financial management and the potential vulnerabilities in local government auditing systems. The investigation demonstrates the EFCC's continued focus on preventing financial crimes at state and local levels, particularly following numerous previous cases of local government fund mismanagement across Nigeria's 36 states. The Benue State government's public cooperation with federal anti-corruption authorities suggests an evolving approach to intergovernmental accountability, though critics note that systemic reforms to prevent similar occurrences remain necessary.
Sources
This report draws on statements from Benue State government officials, anonymous local government chairmen, and reporting by Nigerian media outlets covering the EFCC investigation. Information was gathered from official communications by the Benue State Commissioner for Finance and sources familiar with the ongoing EFCC probe in Makurdi.
