EFCC Arrests Ex-LG Chairmanship Aspirant for N14m Fraud, Impersonating Benue Governor’s Top Aide

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, confirmed the arrest of a former Local Government Chairmanship aspirant in Benue State, Fanen Ochough, for impersonation and defrauding victims of over ₦14 million.

Ochough, who aspired for the chairmanship of Gwer West Local Government Area, was apprehended by operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Friday, November 7, 2025, in the Makurdi metropolis.

The anti-graft agency’s statement revealed that the suspect’s elaborate scheme involved impersonating Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Benue State Governor, Fr. Hycent Alia.

False Promises of Contracts and Jobs

According to the EFCC, Ochough exploited the high office of the PPS to lure unsuspecting members of the public. He allegedly defrauded his victims by promising them lucrative government contracts and highly sought-after job opportunities within the Benue State administration.

The statement further disclosed that the list of victims includes high-profile individuals, among them a former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Stephen Lawani, demonstrating the suspect’s audacious and widespread fraudulent activities.

The EFCC confirmed that the arrest followed the receipt of a detailed petition by the Zonal Directorate. Ochough remains in the custody of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate and is undergoing further investigation. The anti-graft commission assured the public that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded, sending a strong warning against the criminal misuse of public office to perpetrate financial crimes.