Indigenes of Benue State under the aegis of Concerned Benue Citizens for Alia (CBCA) have asked the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the activities of the immediate past commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ugwu Odoh
They also charged the anti-graft agency to arrest and prosecute Odoh over allegations of abuse of office, fraud and embezzlement.
In the letter dated August 2, 2025, signed by Michael Obekpa, president of CBCA, he asked the commission to look into the social investment programmes by Odoh and his ally, Hon. Abba Isaiah.
During his tenure as commissioner, thousands of vulnerable women under the guise of social investment initiatives such as the Alia Cares programme, food vendor schemes, and the Benue State teachers’ recruitment exercise from impoverished communities were asked to pay substantial sums with false hopes of empowerment.
“We, the Concerned Benue Citizens for Alia, a coalition of outraged and resolute citizens of Benue State, write with burning indignation to demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Hon. Ugwu Odoh, the former Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.
“This is not merely a betrayal of public trust—it is a callous, criminal assault on the dignity and livelihoods of Benue’s most defenceless citizens, orchestrated with unbridled greed and impunity.
“Approximately 2,000 women from the Ogbadibo local government area alone have raised their voices in anguish, demanding refunds of their hard-earned money. Since Odoh’s sack, Hon. Isaiah has not been seen and his phone switched off.
“Hon. Ugwu Odoh’s actions are an abuse of power, a deliberate plundering of public trust, and a heartless exploitation of women striving for a better life. His action is a stain on Benue State’s integrity and a direct sabotage of Governor Alia’s vision for equitable development. The EFCC, renowned for its swift action against financial crimes—as evidenced by the recent arraignment of Dr Mkor Aondona on June 20, 2025, for sextortion and related offences—must now unleash its full might to bring Odoh and his accomplices to justice.”
The group demanded swift apprehension to prevent further evasion, destruction of evidence, or intimidation of victims.
He said, “We demand the following with unwavering urgency: The Immediate Arrest of Hon, Ugwu Odoh, and Hon. Abba Isaiah. We require swift apprehension to prevent further evasion, destruction of evidence, or intimidation of victims.
“Rigorous Investigation: A thorough probe into all financial transactions, bank accounts, and communications tied to this extortion scheme, exposing every accomplice in this web of corruption. Prosecution for Abuse of Office, Fraud, and Embezzlement: Odoh must face the full weight of the law under the EFCC Act and Criminal Code for his egregious crimes, ensuring a precedent that deters such heinous acts. Full Restitution for Victims: The 2,000 women, particularly, from Ogbadibo, must receive complete refunds, with punitive measures to hold Odoh and Isaiah accountable for their suffering.”
