Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested Fanen Ochough, a former Local Government Chairmanship aspirant in Gwer West, Benue State, for impersonation and defrauding victims of N14 million.
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In a statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the EFCC said Ochough was arrested for impersonating the Principal Private Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Fr. Hycent Alia, Dr Emmanuel Chenge.
He is also accused of defrauding several individuals, including a former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Stephen Lawani, of over N14 million.
The EFCC disclosed that the suspect was apprehended in Makurdi metropolis on Friday, November 7, 2025, following the receipt of a petition by the Zonal Directorate.
According to the anti-graft agency, Ochough “defrauded his victims using the name and office of the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor and lured them with promises of awarding contracts and job opportunities.”
In a related development, the EFCC recently declared a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of US$14,859,257.
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