Benue Panel Uncovers N139.8bn Unaccounted Funds in Eight-Year Financial Probe

A commission of inquiry established 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.

Chairman of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, Justice Jubril Idrisu (retd.), disclosed this on Friday while presenting the panel’s report to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi.

According to Idrisu, the commission’s findings showed that Benue State generated over N826.5 billion in revenue during the eight-year period under review, while total expenditure stood at approximately N683.4 billion.

He explained that the financial records examined by the commission revealed an outstanding balance of about N139.8 billion that could not be properly accounted for, prompting the panel to recommend its recovery from individuals found culpable.

“The commission’s findings, contained in two volumes, revealed significant concerns in the management of public finances during the period under review. Records showed that the state generated over N826.5 billion in revenue, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion,” Idrisu stated.

The retired jurist noted that the commission, inaugurated in June 2025, was tasked with investigating the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration as well as the 23 local government councils in the state from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023.

He said the inquiry uncovered practices that raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

Idrisu added that the panel carefully reviewed financial records, revenue inflows and expenditure patterns before arriving at its conclusions.

Receiving the report on behalf of the state government, Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reforms in governance.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, the governor commended members of the commission for what he described as a courageous and painstaking assignment carried out in the interest of the people of Benue State.

Alia noted that Justice Idrisu was chosen to head the commission because of his reputation for integrity, fairness and fearlessness, expressing confidence that the report would serve as a guide in strengthening financial accountability and good governance in the state.