Benue Governor Suspends Aide Following EFCC Arrest For Alleged Sextortion And Cyberbullying.
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced the immediate and indefinite suspension of his Special Adviser on Documentation, Research, and Planning, Dr Mkor Aondona, following the aide’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail. The decision underscores the governor’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in public service.
Dr Aondona was detained by operatives of the EFCC’s Makurdi Zonal Directorate on Friday, 20 June 2025, following complaints from several female students. The petitioners accused the aide of exploiting his position to demand sexual favours in exchange for ushering jobs, secretly recording sexual encounters without consent, and using the footage to blackmail victims. The EFCC confirmed the arrest on Saturday, with spokesperson Dele Oyewale stating that Aondona allegedly threatened to leak explicit videos to coerce victims into continuing sexual relationships. Some of these videos are reportedly in circulation, prompting widespread outrage.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia described the allegations as “deeply troubling” and reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality and ethical misconduct. “Public office is a sacred trust that must be carried out with honour, transparency, and responsibility,” the statement read. “Any official found wanting will face the full weight of the law.”
Governor Alia assured the public that the legal process would proceed without interference, emphasising that his administration would not shield anyone involved in actions that undermine public trust. The suspended aide has been directed to cooperate fully with the EFCC’s investigation, and the agency has indicated that Aondona will face charges in court once inquiries are concluded.
The allegations against Aondona have sparked significant public reaction in Benue and beyond, with advocacy groups calling for robust measures to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly young women, from exploitation in public institutions. The EFCC has encouraged other potential victims to come forward, promising protection under the law.
Governor Alia’s swift response has been widely praised as a demonstration of his commitment to ethical governance. Since taking office, the governor, a Catholic priest, has positioned his administration as one rooted in discipline and service to the people of Benue. The suspension of Aondona is seen as a clear message that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.
“This administration was elected to serve with integrity and discipline,” Kula’s statement noted. “Any act that brings the government into disrepute will not be tolerated.” The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served, particularly in cases involving the exploitation of vulnerable groups.
As the EFCC continues its investigation, the case has highlighted broader concerns about the misuse of power and the need for stronger safeguards against sexual exploitation and cyberbullying. The outcome of Aondona’s case is expected to set a precedent for how such allegations are addressed in Nigeria’s public sector.
For now, Governor Alia’s decisive action has reinforced his administration’s pledge to protect the dignity and rights of all citizens. The people of Benue await further developments as the legal process unfolds, with hopes that justice will prevail in this high-profile scandal.