MAKURDI, Benue State — A commission of inquiry set up by the Benue State Government to investigate the state’s income and expenditure between 2015 and 2023 has uncovered N139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds, according to the panel’s chairman.
Justice Jubril Idrisu (retd), Chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, disclosed this on Friday while presenting the commission’s report to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House, Makurdi. The commission was inaugurated in June 2025 to examine the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023.
Idrisu said the commission’s findings, contained in two volumes, revealed that the state generated more than N826.5 billion in revenue during the period under review, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion. Records revealed an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion, which the commission recommended should be recovered from persons found responsible.
The retired jurist explained that the commission drew its findings after a tedious review of financial records and conducted public hearings involving former government officials and institutions. The panel also uncovered questionable loan transactions involving some financial institutions and local government councils, including repayments that far exceeded the original loan amounts without adequate documentation.
Investigators further identified irregular transfers of public funds to certain financial institutions without sufficient records or proof of legitimacy, recommending appropriate recoveries where necessary. Idrisu emphasized the need for stronger financial controls, including proper authorization of online transactions by designated officers and an end to the practice of issuing blank pre-signed mandates, which he noted undermines transparency and accountability in public financial management.
The commission had previously summoned several former officials, including Senator Titus Zam, a former Special Adviser on Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, over alleged unusual withdrawals. The panel also ordered former Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Finance to appear and explain expenditures during the period under review.
The commission of inquiry was one of two judicial panels instituted by Governor Alia in February 2024 to probe the management of state resources and assets under his predecessor, Samuel Ortom’s administration. The second panel was tasked with investigating the sale and lease of government assets, companies, and markets.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alia, Deputy Governor Barr Sam Ode reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms. The governor acknowledged the challenges encountered by the commission, including difficulties in obtaining information and cooperation from relevant persons and institutions.
Alia stressed the need to address challenges that have impeded the state’s growth, especially the abuse of public trust by individuals entrusted with managing public resources. He expressed confidence that implementation of the commission’s recommendations would usher in far-reaching institutional reforms, discourage the mismanagement of public funds, and ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.
