Some principal officers of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and associated consultants are currently being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Makurdi as part of an investigation into an alleged N4.6 billion fraud involving local government funds.
The development was reported on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.
The EFCC has held the officials in custody at its zonal office in the Benue State capital for about a week, probing the alleged diversion of N4.6 billion intended for council operations. Investigators said the funds were allegedly siphoned through consultants engaged for auditing staff, pensioners and primary healthcare personnel across the state’s 23 local government councils.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the consultancy arrangement was presented as a means to audit local government staff, pensioners and personnel of Local Government Education Authorities. The EFCC is examining whether the payments made under this arrangement complied with due process.
The commission has reportedly invited all 23 local government chairmen in the state to appear and account for their involvement, while directors of general services and treasurers have already been questioned as part of the probe.
A local government chairman who spoke on condition of anonymity said the audit initiative was approved in response to concerns about administrative irregularities. He noted that auditors began operations in several councils about two weeks ago, and that remuneration varied depending on workload in each area.
Confirming the investigation, the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, said the state government would not interfere with the EFCC’s work. He described the probe as part of the anti‑graft agency’s mandate and indicated the government’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, emphasising cooperation with investigators.
Oglegba said findings from the EFCC’s investigation would be made public once concluded and cautioned public officials to adhere strictly to procedural requirements in the handling of public funds.
As of the time of publishing, those detained were reported to be processing bail, and the EFCC has not yet disclosed whether charges will be preferred against any individuals connected with the alleged diversion of funds.
