EFCC Investigates N100bn Fraud in Benue College Contracts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing contracts worth over N100 billion related to technical colleges in Benue. This investigation was initiated after more than 60 contractors alleged they were defrauded.

Four senior officials from the state government have been interrogated, including Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, the former Commissioner for Education and current Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals; Mrs. Margaret Adamu, the incumbent Commissioner for Education; Prof. Timothy Ornguga, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; and Mrs. Helen Nambativ, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. The contractors reportedly began construction after being assured of government approval, but faced difficulties in securing payments.

Allegations include that Lawrence Kyaku, who claimed to be a Senior Special Assistant to the governor, misled contractors into starting work without proper authorization and collected substantial sums under false pretenses. The EFCC is also examining a letter allegedly signed by Prof. Ornguga, which directed contractors to pay a vetting fee, further complicating the situation.