The Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned the Managing Director of the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BS-ADC), Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule, before the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi over alleged diversion of ₦59.8 million.
Akule was docked before Justice R. J. Egbe on an eight-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, stealing, diversion of public funds, and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the EFCC, Akule was arrested following a petition alleging that he diverted funds belonging to BS-ADC, which were meant for the supply of grains to the Benue State Government. Investigations revealed that the Managing Director allegedly failed to pay contractors who supplied grains after diverting a substantial portion of the funds for personal use.
The diverted funds were said to be part of ₦486 million released to BS-ADC by the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) for fish cultivation, grain purchases, and renovation of warehouses. Further investigations showed that part of the funds meant for grain purchases was allegedly transferred directly into the defendant’s private bank account.
One of the charges stated that Akule, while serving as Managing Director of BS-ADC between 2024 and 2025 in Makurdi, allegedly conferred corrupt advantage on Udeco Engineering Company, owned by his associate, Henry Ogbu Ude. The EFCC alleged that contracts for perimeter fencing, gatehouse construction, warehouse renovation, and CCTV installation valued at ₦195.82 million were awarded without due process, and that ₦31.97 million from the contract sum was diverted for Akule’s personal benefit. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Another charge alleged that on December 20, 2025, Akule knowingly obtained ₦14 million from BIPC under the pretext that the money was for fish stocking and construction of fish ponds—claims the EFCC said were false. This offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, counsel to the prosecution, A. S. Idris, requested an accelerated hearing. Defence counsel informed the court of a pending bail application, which the prosecution opposed, arguing that the defendant might tamper with evidence if granted bail.
In a brief ruling, Justice Egbe adjourned the matter to Thursday, January 29, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at a correctional facility.