Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Officials of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside private consultants, are being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N4.6bn fraud. The Commision is investigating claims that funds allocated to local government councils were diverted through consultancy fees purportedly paid for auditing local government staff, pensioners, and primary healthcare workers across the state’s 23 councils. Investigators have invited all local government chairmen to explain their roles, while key officials, including directors and treasurers, have already been questioned. State authorities have confirmed awareness of the probe and pledged full cooperation, emphasising a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. The Benue State Government maintains that the investigation will determine whether due process was followed in approving and disbursing the funds. The case underscores ongoing efforts by anti-graft agencies to strengthen accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline in Nigeria’s local government administration.