Officials of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and private consultants are under intense questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of ₦4.6 billion intended for the state’s 23 local government councils.
The probe, ongoing in Makurdi as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, focuses on allegations that funds earmarked for audits of council workers, pensioners, primary healthcare staff, and Local Government Education Authority personnel were illegally deducted and paid as consultancy fees.
Senior bureau officials, including the Permanent Secretary and the Director of Finance and Administration, as well as two consultants linked to the audit exercise, have been detained for questioning.
Some local government chairmen, including the chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Benue State, were also summoned to provide information.
EFCC sources said the commission has extended invitations to all 23 local government chairmen, treasurers, and directors of general services to account for deductions made from council allocations.
READ ALSO:Â EFCC Probes N1.3trn Delta Funds Diversion, Arrests Key Officials
The Benue State Government confirmed its full cooperation with the investigation, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Authorities said the probe would determine whether due process was followed in engaging consultants and disbursing the funds.
The EFCC added that the investigation remains active and further actions would follow based on the outcome of the interrogations.