Lawyers ask EFCC to probe ‘missing N20bn’ LG funds in Benue

A group of lawyers under the aegis of the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe an alleged missing N20 billion belonging to LGAs in Benue state.

In a petition dated February 20 and addressed to the chair of the EFCC, Uchenna Mojekwu, GICN’s secretary, said there has been an alleged diversion of the aforementioned sum from the federation account allocation committee (FAAC).

Mojekwu said only N35 billion out of N55 billion has been disbursed to the state’s LGAs, adding that the funds are being diverted using bank accounts of top Benue officials.

“From the records attached as APPENDIX 2A and 2B, the aggregate FAAC allocation received in the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA), maintained pursuant to Section 162(6) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended) for onward disbursement to the 23 Local Government Councils within the period under review totals N55, 897,592,592.81 only,” he said.

“Out of the above sum, only N35,849,988,725.37 was disbursed to the 23 Local Government Councils.

“This left a balance of N20,051,603,867.44, which remains undisbursed, even though the SJLGA is supposed to be a transit account and not a savings account.”

The secretary said they believe that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has zero tolerance for corruption.

“We have absolute belief that the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has zero tolerance for any form of corruption capable of inflicting hardship on the masses and sabotaging the economy of Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Mojekwu said all those found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted in line with relevant laws.