Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has indefinitely suspended his Special Adviser on Documentation, Research, and Planning, Mkor Aondona, following his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail.
The suspension was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Sunday in Makurdi.
“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, directs the immediate and indefinite suspension of Mr. Mkor Aondona… following his arrest by operatives of the EFCC over alleged involvement in sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail,” the statement read.
Aondona was apprehended on June 20 by the EFCC’s cybercrime unit in Abuja after multiple petitions and pieces of evidence surfaced, accusing him of using fake social media accounts to blackmail and extort women online.
Governor Alia stressed that his administration will not tolerate criminal or unethical conduct among public officials.
“Public office is a call to serve with honour, transparency, and responsibility. Anyone who deviates from this path will have no place in this government,” the governor affirmed.
Aondona, a former media aide to ex-Governor George Akume and holder of a PhD in Political Science, was appointed in 2023. He is now expected to submit fully to the legal process as investigations continue.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups, and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
