The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned former chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Tersoo Loko, alongside 10 other defendants over the alleged diversion of N1.1 billion meant for local government elections in the state.

The defendants were brought before the federal high court in Makurdi on 30 counts bordering on criminal misappropriation of public funds and money laundering.

Those standing trial with Loko are Kuleve Terlumun, Mtomga Manasseh, Ugbede Denen, Tatyough Thaddeus, Angwa Dominic, Uwua Igbawua, Adese Asom Orkuma Emmanuel, Owoicho Odeh, and Mhir Iyenge.

Presenting the charges, M.S. Yusuf, counsel to the EFCC, told the court that the case arose from funds released for the conduct of local government elections in 2020 and 2022.

According to the prosecution, BSIEC received N1.6 billion for the two polls, but only N565 million was reportedly applied to the exercise, leaving N1.1 billion unaccounted for.

The EFCC alleged that Loko, while serving as BSIEC chairman, personally received large cash payments from the commission and diverted the funds for private use.

Yusuf said Loko allegedly collected N118 million in 2020 and N110.9 million in 2022, both recorded as payments made to him by the commission.

The alleged offences, the prosecution said, contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

All the defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.

Following the pleas, the prosecution requested a hearing date to open its case.

In his ruling, Justice M.S. Abubakar granted each defendant bail of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

The judge ordered that the sureties must possess valid international passports and directed the defendants to deposit their passports with the court registrar.

He adjourned the matter to April 24 for hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded pending the perfection of their bail conditions.