A judicial panel investigating Benue State's finances has uncovered a troubling gap in public accounts. Retired Justice Jubril Idrisu said about N139.8 billion couldn't be properly traced between 2015 and 2023.
Idrisu submitted the probe's two-volume report to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday at the Government House in Makurdi. He detailed findings that revealed serious lapses in how state funds were managed during the eight-year period.
According to his presentation, Benue generated N826.5 billion in revenue during those years. Yet spending totalled only N683.4 billion, leaving the massive unexplained shortfall.
The commission recommended recovering the missing funds from those found responsible. Justice Idrisu said authorities must pursue these recoveries with urgency.
Investigators uncovered questionable loan arrangements between local councils and financial institutions. In some cases, repayments allegedly exceeded original loan amounts without proper documentation to justify the discrepancies.
Suspicious fund transfers to certain banks also caught the panel's attention. Records supporting these transactions were either missing or inadequate, Idrisu noted.
He urged stronger oversight of government finances going forward. Online transactions need proper authorisation from designated officials, he stressed.
Blank pre-signed financial mandates must stop immediately, according to the justice. Such practices undermine transparency and open doors to abuse, he warned.
Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode received the report on the governor's behalf.
He praised the commission for completing what he called a thorough and courageous investigation.
Ode said Idrisu was picked to lead the panel because of his track record for honesty. His reputation for fearlessness on the bench made him the ideal choice, the deputy governor added.
The administration believes implementing these recommendations will strengthen institutions across the state. Governor Alia's team is confident it'll curb misuse of public money and ensure accountability.
The commission faced real obstacles during its work, Ode acknowledged. Some individuals and organisations didn't cooperate fully or provided limited access to vital records.
Governor Alia apologised for logistical challenges the panel encountered. His administration inherited serious institutional problems when it took office, he explained.
Despite these difficulties, the commission stayed committed to its mandate. Members persevered through the obstacles to deliver credible findings, officials said.
Justice Idrisu's panel was inaugurated in June 2025 specifically for this task. It examined finances of the immediate past administration and all 23 local government councils.
The investigation covered the period from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023. This span captured the tenures of previous state leadership before the current governor took over.
Alia promised his government would act on the panel's recommendations without delay. He assured stakeholders that accountability measures would follow swiftly.
The governor also committed to institutional reforms aimed at preventing future financial misconduct. Stronger systems and better oversight will protect state resources, he pledged.
