More Ex-Benue officials arrested and detained at Force Hqtrs Abuja.

Whatever happened to EFCC/ICPC that the Nigerian Police is now in charge of the investigation of issues of financial misappropriation.
Four persons indicted by the Elizabeth Kpojime-led Judicial Commission of Enquiry for allegedly looting the Benue State treasury have been arrested, and taken to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

This comes after about eight former government officials were arrested a few weeks ago, also in connection with fraud.

Those lately arrested are former Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Pension Board, Andy Uwouku; former Accountant of the board, Paul Chile, former Accountant, Local Government Service Commission, Moses Burya; and former Cashier of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Jacob Ageva.

Leader of the investigative team, who pleaded for anonymity, said Uwouku was arrested for illegal withdrawal from the Makurdi branch of Keystone Bank Plc, an account he opened for the Pensions Board, to which he was sole signatory.

He added that Uwouku was being investigated for alleged diversion of pension fund, while Chile allegedly conspired with him.

Burya, who was arrested with fake receipts and receipts of a non-existent consultancy firm, was said to have defrauded the government under the pretext of training local government workers. Ageva was arrested for alleged fraud in the payment of teachers’ salaries, from 2011 to 2015.

State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Michael Gusa, who confirmed the arrests, explained that the state reported those indicted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the police, noting that the affected persons will be arraigned in court.

He urged the people to continue to support the Ortom administration to recover Benue’s wealth.

Police Commissioner Bashir Makama also confirmed the arrests, adding that the matter was being handled at the Force Headquarters.