Nigeria, Jan. 21 -- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is interrogating senior officials of the Benue State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and private consultants over an alleged diversion of about N4.6 billion meant for the state's 23 local government councils.

Sources familiar with the investigation told PREMIUM TIMES that the officials were picked up about a week ago and are being held at the EFCC's Makurdi zonal office.

The anti-graft agency is probing claims that the funds were paid out as consultancy fees for an audit of local government staff, pensioners, Primary Healthcare workers and personnel of Local Government Education Authorities across the state, but were allegedly siphoned in the pro...