EFCC Arraigns Ex-Benue SIEC Chairman, 10 Others Over Alleged ₦1.1bn Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, arraigned Dr. Tersoo Joseph Loko, former Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSEIC), alongside ten others before Justice M. S. Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, over an alleged ₦1.1 billion fraud.
The defendants were charged with multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offence involves the diversion of ₦1,100,000,000 (One Billion, One Hundred Million Naira), said to be funds meant for electoral activities in Benue State.
Dr. Loko and the co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the determination of their bail applications. Defence lawyers, however, applied for bail, assuring the court that their clients would be available for trial.
Justice Abubakar adjourned the matter to a later date for hearing of bail applications and commencement of trial, while ordering that the defendants be remanded in custody.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to pursuing accountability and ensuring that public funds are protected from abuse.
EFCC Arraigns Ex-Benue SIEC Chairman, 10 Others Over Alleged ₦1.1bn Fraud