Court remands Activist Mojekwu over N20bn fraud allegation against Benue govt

The Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Makurdi, Benue State, has remanded a civil rights activist and secretary of the Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN, Mr Uchenna Mojekwu in prison over allegations of N20 billion fraud involving Dr Dennis Akura, the Special Adviser to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Chief Magistrate, Kelvin Mbanongun, ordered Mojekwu’s remand after refusing to hear an oral application for his bail, instructing his lawyer to file a formal bail application instead.

The Police had arraigned Mojekwu before the court following his detention by the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Mr Yabaneth Steve Hassan, over a petition against Dr Dennis Akura.

Recall that in February 2024, GICN, through Mojekwu, submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the government of Alia, through his aide, Akura, authorized and withdrew over N20 billion from Benue local government accounts. The petition included evidence such as letters signed by council chairmen and directors.

The anti-corruption group also submitted a copy of the petition to the Department of State Services, DSS, and the House Committee on Public Petitions, inviting various agencies to investigate the allegation.

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Newspot gathered through sources that Mojekwu was taken to Chief Magistrate Court 1 on Thursday, where arrangements were made for his immediate remand in prison. A Black Maria from the correctional services was reportedly present on the court premises to transport him.

“And they have made arrangements for him to be remanded in prison immediately. A Black Maria from the correctional services is already situated on the court premises to move him.”

“Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is waiting for them to come and adopt the petition so that its investigation will commence,” another source stated.

Newspot reported on Wednesday that the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions had on February 27, 2024, summoned Akura to answer questions concerning the alleged missing N20 billion.