Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Makurdi, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Mr. Donald Akule, the Managing Director of the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BS-ADC), before the Federal High Court in Makurdi on allegations of diverting N59.8 million in public funds.
Akule was arraigned on an eight-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, stealing and diversion of public funds after an EFCC investigation that was triggered by a complaint alleging improper handling of funds allocated for the supply of grains and other agricultural inputs.
Prosecuting counsel, A.S. Idris, told the court that the funds were part of a larger N486 million released to BS-ADC by the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) for several projects, including fish cultivation, grain purchase and warehouse renovations. The EFCC said its probe revealed that a significant portion of the money intended for grain procurement was allegedly siphoned into the defendant’s private bank account, leaving contractors unpaid for supplies already delivered.
The prosecution also alleged that Akule awarded several contracts worth N195.8 million to a company owned by an associate without due process and that N31.9 million from those contracts was used for his personal benefit, actions which the EFCC has characterised as offences under Nigeria’s anti-corruption and fraud laws.
One of the counts against Akule specifically alleges that on December 20, 2025, he “knowingly obtained by false pretence” N14 million from BIPC under the false pretext that it was for fish stocking and construction of fish ponds — a claim the prosecution says was untrue.
When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of Akule. The prosecution objected to the bail request, arguing that granting bail at this stage could jeopardise the ongoing investigation and allow the defendant to interfere with evidence.
Justice Ronald Egbe adjourned the matter to Thursday, January 29, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Akule remain in custody at the Makurdi Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
The case underscores the EFCC’s continued focus on prosecuting alleged misuse of public funds by officials of government-linked institutions, reflecting broader national efforts to hold public office holders accountable under the law.
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