The Governor of Benue State in Nigeria, Hyacinth Alia, has suspended a senior aide following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mkor Aondona, who served as the Governor’s Special Adviser on Documentation, Research and Planning, was detained over allegations of sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail.
In a statement released on Sunday, Governor Alia’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, announced the indefinite suspension. The move was described as upholding integrity, discipline, and accountability within the state’s public service.
The Governor stated that any official in his administration found to be involved in criminal or unethical conduct would face the full force of the law. Mr Kula added that Mr Aondona was expected to fully cooperate with the legal process regarding the serious allegations against him.
The statement further emphasized the Benue State government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups, and its intention to continue working with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.
The EFCC confirmed Mr Aondona’s arrest in Makurdi, the state capital, on Saturday. This followed petitions from female students who accused him of unethical behaviour.
The students allege that Mr Aondona would recruit young women for ushering jobs but demanded sexual favours in return. He is also accused of secretly recording explicit videos of the women without their consent and sharing them on messaging platforms. Some of these videos are reported to have already been circulated.
The EFCC has stated that the suspect will be charged in court soon.
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