Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Four officials of the Benue State Government have landed themselves in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting N4.6 billion belonging to local government in the state.
The EFCC has not issued an official statement to this effect, but a reliable source within the commission but preferred anonymity confirmed that the officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ayu Terna, and Bishop Dzungwe, Director of Finance and Administration, alongside two consultants, Mr Abba Adaudu and Nongomi Ter Joshua, have been in EFCC custody for the past two weeks for allegedly misappropriating N4.6 billion.
The funds were allegedly siphoned through the consultants under the guise of consultancy fees for auditing local government officials, pensioners and primary healthcare personnel across all 23 local government councils in the state.
Also arrested was the Chairman of the Benue State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council, Hon Vitalis Neji, who was questioned for several hours at the EFCC zonal office.
It was gathered that all 23 local government chairmen had been invited to account for their roles in the scandal, while Directors of General Services and treasurers have already been questioned.
Further investigation showed that one of the consultants is at large, while some of the government officials have promised to do restitution and return the funds they allegedly embezzled.
It was also gathered that several calls were made to the fleeing consultant, but all he told the commission was, “I will come around.” He has reportedly promised to appear on Wednesday (tomorrow).
The state Commissioner for Justice and Public Order and Attorney-General, Barr Yangien Ornguga, was said to have been instructed to secure the release of the detained officials, but all his efforts proved abortive as the commission insisted they must answer questions for their acts.
However, the inside source said their bail was being processed yesterday (Monday), even as they may face prosecution.
