Benue Inquiry Panel Uncovers N139.8 Billion in Unaccounted Funds Linked to Ortom-Era Finances

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: John. O

Benue Inquiry Panel Uncovers N139.8 Billion in Unaccounted Funds Linked to Ortom-Era Finances

MAKURDI, Nigeria — June 19, 2026 — A judicial commission established by the Benue State Government has reported that approximately N139.8 billion in public funds generated during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom remains unaccounted for, marking a significant development in an ongoing review of the state’s finances and governance records.

The findings were presented to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration following an extensive investigation into the income and expenditure of the Benue State Government covering the period from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023. The commission was one of two panels inaugurated by Governor Alia in February 2024 to examine the management of public resources and assets under previous administrations.

According to the commission, Benue State generated more than N826.5 billion in revenue during the eight-year period under review. Expenditure records examined by investigators showed spending of approximately N683.4 billion, leaving a balance of about N139.8 billion that could not be adequately accounted for through the documentation made available to the panel. The commission recommended that efforts be made to recover the funds from individuals or entities found responsible after due process.

The report was submitted by Justice Jubril Idrisu, chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry. Presenting the findings in Makurdi, the state capital, Idrisu said the investigation revealed serious concerns regarding financial management practices during the period examined. He stated that the commission’s conclusions were documented in two volumes and reflected months of examination of financial records, government transactions, and submissions from relevant institutions.

Beyond the issue of the unaccounted balance, the commission also identified what it described as questionable loan transactions involving financial institutions and local government councils. Investigators reportedly discovered cases where loan repayments significantly exceeded the original amounts borrowed, while supporting documentation was either incomplete or unavailable. The panel further noted instances of transfers of public funds to financial institutions without sufficient records establishing the purpose or legitimacy of the transactions.

The commission recommended further scrutiny of such transactions and urged the recovery of public funds where irregularities are confirmed. It also called for stronger accountability mechanisms and stricter record-keeping procedures to prevent future disputes over government finances.

The inquiry forms part of a broader effort by the current administration to examine the financial and administrative legacy inherited after Governor Alia assumed office in May 2023. Since taking office, the administration has repeatedly raised concerns about the condition of state finances and the level of liabilities inherited from previous governments. Officials have argued that a comprehensive review was necessary to establish an accurate picture of the state’s fiscal position and identify areas requiring reform.

Responding to the report, Governor Alia reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional strengthening. Represented at the presentation ceremony by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, the governor praised the commission for what he described as a thorough and public-interest-driven assignment. He said the administration selected Justice Idrisu to lead the panel because of his reputation for integrity and independence.

The governor stated that the implementation of the commission’s recommendations would help reinforce public institutions, discourage the misuse of government resources, and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established. He also acknowledged that the commission faced challenges during its work, including difficulties obtaining information and cooperation from some individuals and organizations.

Alia further apologized for logistical constraints encountered by the commission and said his administration inherited substantial institutional and administrative difficulties that affected government operations at the beginning of its tenure. He maintained that addressing those challenges remains a central objective of his government.

The inquiry’s findings emerge against the backdrop of continuing political disagreements between supporters of the current administration and allies of former Governor Ortom over the management of Benue State’s finances. In recent months, former officials who served under Ortom have challenged criticisms directed at the previous administration and have demanded greater transparency regarding revenues received since Governor Alia assumed office. Public exchanges between both camps have reflected wider debates about governance, debt obligations, development spending, and accountability in the state.

The latest report is therefore likely to intensify political scrutiny of financial decisions made during the eight-year Ortom administration. However, the commission’s findings do not in themselves constitute a criminal conviction or establish individual liability. Any recovery process or legal action arising from the report would require further administrative, investigative, or judicial procedures.

Political analysts note that commissions of inquiry have historically played an important role in uncovering financial irregularities and recommending reforms in Nigeria, though implementation of their recommendations often determines their long-term impact. In many cases, reports have led to policy changes, audits, prosecutions, or asset recovery efforts, while others have generated political controversy without resulting in substantial institutional action.

For residents of Benue State, the outcome of the inquiry carries significance beyond political rivalries. The state has faced persistent challenges including insecurity, displacement of communities, infrastructure deficits, and pressure on public services. Questions regarding the management of public resources therefore remain closely tied to broader concerns about development and governance.

The Benue State Government has not yet released detailed information regarding specific individuals or institutions that may be affected by the commission’s recommendations. Officials have indicated that the report will undergo further review before decisions are taken on implementation measures.

As the administration studies the findings, attention is expected to focus on whether additional investigations, audits, or legal proceedings will follow. The handling of the report may also influence public confidence in the government’s broader agenda of accountability and reform.

For now, the commission’s conclusion that nearly N140 billion remains unaccounted for represents one of the most significant financial allegations to emerge from a state-level inquiry in recent years and is likely to remain at the center of political and public debate in Benue State in the months ahead.

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