FACT-CHECK: Oglegba Denies Alleged EFCC Arrest, Releases Video Evidence By Romeon Okwo, Abuja

 


Reports circulating on social media alleging that the Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Michael Oglegba, was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are false and misleading.

The claims, which went viral on Monday, alleged that Oglegba was detained at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, over an alleged failure to pay a car dealer said to have supplied official vehicles to the Benue State House of Assembly. According to the post, the vehicles allegedly included seven official cars for lawmakers, a Hilux vehicle for the Clerk of the House, and a bus for the Assembly, purportedly approved at the cost of N1.2 billion by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

When contacted on Monday afternoon, Hon. Oglegba categorically denied the allegations, stating that he was neither arrested nor detained by the EFCC or any other security agency.

“I have no knowledge of the alleged N1.2 billion said to be for seven official vehicles, a Hilux for the Clerk, and a bus for the House owed to any dealer,” the commissioner said.

He described the reports as deliberate falsehood and blackmail, insisting that he was actively carrying out his official duties at the time the alleged arrest was said to have occurred.

“I advise the young man to look for something legitimate to feed his family rather than resorting to blackmail and lies to put food on his table. I am right at my desk, doing my official duties for the benefit of the good people of Benue State,” Oglegba stated.


Expressing shock at claims that he was detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the commissioner said the report was entirely fabricated and revealed that his legal team would take action.

“My lawyer will soon communicate with the young man for legal action,” he added.

Independent checks by The Prime Newspaper confirmed that Hon. Oglegba was attending to official responsibilities at the time the alleged arrest was reported to have taken place.

Hon Michael Oglegba 
Commissioner of Finance 
Benue State 



As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, or the Benue State Government to support claims of any arrest or detention.

To further substantiate his denial, Oglegba released a video message in which he personally addressed the allegations and reaffirmed that he was neither arrested nor under investigation.

In the video, the commissioner dismissed the reports as outright lies and urged the public to disregard what he described as divisive misinformation aimed at discrediting the Benue State Government.

He also defended the Alia administration, describing it as transformative and unprecedented in infrastructure delivery, including ongoing road construction, healthcare improvements, and debt clearance.

“I am hale and hearty. The government is growing stronger, and we will continue to work for a new, more progressive, and united Benue,” Oglegba said.

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