Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has taken swift action following the arrest of his Special Adviser on Research and Planning, Dr. Mkor Aondona, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The governor announced the immediate suspension of Aondona on Sunday, citing the need to preserve the integrity of his administration.
The EFCC, in a statement released on Saturday, confirmed the arrest of the suspended official over serious allegations involving sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and blackmail. The agency disclosed that several female students had come forward with complaints, accusing Aondona of demanding sexual favours in return for employment opportunities.
According to the commission, the victims alleged that Aondona not only coerced them into inappropriate relationships but also secretly recorded the encounters without their consent. He allegedly used these recordings as tools for continued manipulation, threatening to release the videos online if they refused to maintain the sexual relationship.
In response to the disturbing allegations, Governor Alia issued a public statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, condemning the reported misconduct in strong terms.
“The suspension of Dr. Mkor Aondona is with immediate effect. This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service,” the statement read.
Governor Alia reaffirmed that his administration would not protect any individual found guilty of criminal behavior, regardless of their position or political affiliation. He emphasized that public office is not a personal privilege but a sacred trust bestowed by the people, and must be exercised with honour, transparency, and responsibility.
“Anyone in this government who engages in criminal or unethical behavior will face the full consequences of the law,” Alia warned. “There is no room for misconduct in an administration that is committed to the rule of law and public trust.”
The governor also reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on abuse of power, adding that anyone found undermining public confidence would be removed without hesitation.
This scandal marks one of the most high-profile cases of alleged sexual misconduct involving a top political aide in Benue State and has reignited public discourse on ethics in governance and workplace accountability, particularly regarding the treatment of young women seeking opportunities.
Meanwhile, the EFCC says investigations into the matter are ongoing, with expectations that Aondona will be formally charged if sufficient evidence is established.
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