EFCC Uncovers ₦4.6B Fraud in Benue State Under Alia’s Govt
The Network for Transparent Governance (NTG) has endorsed the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC’s recent arrests of senior officials from Benue State’s Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, along with private consultants, for allegedly diverting ₦4.6 billion in public funds.
This development is inline with NTG’s ongoing advocacy against financial misconduct in Benue State governance.
The arrests occurred in Makurdi and mark a significant step in addressing long-standing allegations of fund diversion at the bureau.
EFCC operatives detained three bureau officials and two consultants over the suspected fraud involving over ₦4.6 billion.
NTG, led by President Dennis Agema, described the action as a vital move toward accountability in local government funding.
Prior probes, including house assembly committees, had flagged irregularities in the bureau’s handling of similar funds.
NTG expressed “strongest possible” support for the arrests, viewing them as progress in combating corruption that has plagued Benue’s local administration.
The group has previously petitioned EFCC and others on related issues, such as bureau mismanagement and larger state fund diversions.
“This is not a minor infraction of embezzlement of public funds. It is a monumental scandal that exposes a disturbing culture of impunity and financial recklessness operating under the watch of a supposed priest who is the governor Benue State, known as Hyacinth Alia.”
According to reports from EFCC, funds meant for local governments, pensioners, and primary health care across the 23 local government areas of Benue State were siphoned through dubious consultancy arrangements under the direct control of Governor Alia who is now the head of the local government bureau himself. This money represents healthcare denied, pensions unpaid, and basic services stolen from the poorest and most vulnerable people of the state by Governor Alia.
There has been non-disclosure of Benue State Local Government allocations from FAAC allocations in nearly years. No local government under Alia has constructed even a single culvert in two years because the governor has hijacked their allocations.
Governor Alia has not only turned local government resources to his personal use; he has diverted a staggering N80 billion from local government allocations only in 2025.
NTG finds it deeply shameful that officials occupying some of the most sensitive positions in local government administration, Permanent Secretary, Director of Finance and Administration, and Auditor, are now at the centre of such grave allegations, aiding and abating a governor who has sworn to be dubious and criminal-minded all his life.
NTG expects Governor Alia to hide his face in shame for his moral bankruptcy and the rot unfolding under its watch. A governor who promised moral rebirth is presiding over multi billion-naira fraud, diverting funds meant for grassroots development. He has failed the basic test of leadership.
We unequivocally commend the EFCC for this bold and timely intervention. The anti-corruption commission has demonstrated that public office is not a license to steal and that no one is too powerful to be questioned.
However, this must only be the beginning. We call on the EFCC to widen its searchlight and deepen its investigations into the entire financial architecture of the Benue State Government under Alia. Ministries, departments, agencies, special purpose vehicles, consultants, and contractors must all come under intense scrutiny. Where funds have been looted, they must be recovered. Where crimes have been committed, prosecutions must follow, without fear or favour.
This call is necessary because Governor Alia is the sole administrator of Benue State. He has sealed all government bank accounts and is the only one spending the resources, so no other government official deserves to be investigated aside from Alia himself.
The people of Benue State did not vote for sermons and symbolism; they voted for service. What they are getting instead, as these revelations suggest, is a betrayal of trust of the highest order.
NTG will not be silent. We will continue to speak, petition, and mobilize until transparency is restored to Benue State public service and those responsible for looting the state resources are held fully accountable.
Signed:
Dennis Agema
President,
Network for Transparent Governance (NTG)
