Benue NULGE Chairman Arraigned Over Alleged Diversion Of Workers’ N17. 5m

The Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ado Local Government chapter of Benue State, Otsapa Ubani Otsapa, alleged to have diverted N17.5 million workers’ welfare funds, has been arraigned.

Otsapa was arraigned on Friday by the Makurdi zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Moris Ikpambese of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi.

He arraigned on a two-count charge of alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

One of the counts one reads: “That you, Otsapa  Ubani Otsapa being Chairman of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ado Chapter, between 2016 and 2019 in Ado Local Government area of Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, was entrusted with the sum of N17,552,400.00 (Seventeen Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand, Four Hundred Naira only) by the NULGE state chapter for the welfare of its members, but dishonesty misappropriated the said sum and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 312 of the Penal Code (CAP) 124 Laws of Benue State, and punishable under Section 313 of the same Law”.

Otsapa pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges when they were read to him.

Counsel to the anti-graft agency, George Chia-Yakua, consequently prayed the court for a trial date and an order to remand him in custody pending trial.

But the  defence counsel, Abraham Aruta, applied orally for the bail of his client on self recognition.

Justice Ikpambese, however, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a public officer on grade level 12 and above, and must provide letters of his first appointment and last promotion. He is also to submit a recent passport photograph.

The case was adjourned till December 3, 2020 for hearing.

Spokesman for EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren in a statement said “Trouble started for Ubani following a petition received by Commission, alleging that he diverted the sum of N17, 552,400 contributed by members of the union in the State for the welfare of members.”