A civil society organization, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the alleged diversion of over N20 billion in local government funds in Benue State.
In the petition dated February 20, 2024, addressed to EFCC, President Bola Tinubu, and the Department of State Services (DSS), GICN accuses the Special Adviser to Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and others of orchestrating embezzlement and diversion of funds meant for the 23 local government councils in Benue State between June to November 2023.
The group alleges that Dennis Akura, the Special Adviser, utilized Bureau staff and privately-owned companies to siphon the funds, leaving a substantial balance of N20 billion undisbursed. GICN claims to have received complaints and documents from whistleblowers detailing the alleged corruption.
Accompanying the petition are documentary evidences, including transfers of funds from local government accounts to individual staff accounts and registered companies associated with the Bureau. GICN calls for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.
The organization urges the EFCC to ensure that if found guilty, officials implicated in the diversion of funds are made to refund the misappropriated funds. It emphasizes the need for swift action to combat corruption and uphold fiscal integrity in Benue State.
The petition underscores the commitment to exposing corrupt practices and calls upon the EFCC to fulfill its mandate by interrogating and prosecuting the accused individuals.
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