FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has established a five member investigative committee to examine serious allegations against Hon. Sunday Oche, Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, including the operation of an illegal detention facility and misuse of office.
The motion was moved on the floor by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chief Lami Danladi Ogenyi, who urged the Assembly to suspend both Chairman Oche and his Deputy, Hon. Jane Ikesse, for six months pending investigation.
Elected on October 4, 2024, Oche was mandated to govern under the amended Local Government Law. However, the Deputy Speaker accused him of betraying that mandate and abusing his office since taking charge.
Per allegations, Oche has allegedly organized a clandestine “Special Team” operating a forest-based detention cell in Ubioge Village, Ijigban Ward, where suspects are kidnapped and held for ransom. Detainees reportedly face torture, rape, grievous bodily harm, and in some cases death. Among the individuals named as involved in the operation are:
- Peter Otakpo Nwachukwu (aka Sir P)
- Chief Usutor Linus Mgbada
- Ifeanyi Ezeh
- Emmanuel Uwa
- Ephraim Ufete
- Chief Daniel Nweze
- Sunday Nwakpa Nwefuru
- Sunday Nwalinshi
- Chidi Noko Okohu
- Chijioke Unigwe
- Sunday Nweke Ngama
Sources say a video of the detention site—recorded during a joint police and military operation—has been handed over to security agencies.
In a separate allegation, the Chairman is accused of obstructing police inquiries, ordering the release of arrested suspects, and dismissing the investigation as politically motivated.
Additional charges include diverting local government revenues by instructing telecom operators (MTN, Glo, Airtel) to transfer funds directly into his personal bank account instead of the official UBA account in Igumale. The Assembly regarded these acts as criminal diversion of public funds.
The Committee has been tasked to report back within two weeks with its findings.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center
Federal Information Center, Makurdi
