Abuja — Disability rights groups in Benue State have accused top government officials of allegedly diverting ₦50 million Presidential Empowerment Funds meant for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs, prompting a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The allegations were raised by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Benue State chapter, which named Mr. Anshe Bemshima, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Needs, and Mrs. Scholastica Ben-Sor, Special Adviser on Women Affairs and Renewed Hope Initiative, as those responsible for the alleged fraud.
Background of the Fund
The ₦50 million empowerment fund was reportedly donated earlier this year by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as part of a presidential initiative aimed at supporting Persons With Disabilities across states in the country.
According to JONAPWD, the funds were meant to empower 250 beneficiaries, with each individual expected to receive ₦200,000 to support small businesses and economic inclusion.
Allegations of Diversion
In a detailed petition submitted to the EFCC, the disability group alleged that only 42 persons eventually received funds. However, instead of the approved ₦200,000, each beneficiary reportedly received ₦150,000, with ₦50,000 allegedly deducted under the pretext of a “free medical outreach.”
JONAPWD noted that the outreach was advertised as free, raising questions about the justification for the deductions. The group further alleged that over ₦40 million remains unaccounted for, describing the handling of the funds as “criminal diversion and gross abuse of office.”
Complaints Ignored
The association claimed that several appeals were made to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, but alleged that no corrective action was taken, forcing them to seek intervention from anti-corruption agencies.
Some intended beneficiaries also complained of being denied access to the disbursement venue, while others said they were not provided basic welfare despite attending the event.
EFCC Petition and Demands
In the petition copied to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), JONAPWD is demanding:
- Immediate investigation and arrest of the accused officials
- Full recovery of the allegedly diverted funds
- Payment of the complete ₦200,000 to all 250 intended beneficiaries
- Prosecution of those found culpable under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws
The group also referenced a previous allegation of fund diversion involving one of the officials, suggesting a pattern of misconduct.
Awaiting Official Response
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Benue State Government nor the accused officials had issued an official response to the allegations.
The development has sparked renewed concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of presidential empowerment programmes, especially those targeted at vulnerable groups.
