Rotten Servant: Former Benue Head of Service, Veronica Onyeke, Hijacks Contracts Worth Over N65 Million Through Her Company Struck-Off by CAC

Secrets Reporters

In the heart of Makurdi, Benue State, a quiet controversy has been brewing around a private company, Onyeke Ventures Ltd. This company, owned by Veronica Onyeke, has come under scrutiny for its involvement in several government contracts, raising questions about legality and ethics.

Onyeke Ventures Ltd was incorporated on July 20, 1988, in Makurdi, Nigeria, under registration number 115996. Its registered address is 188A, HUDCO QTRS. High Level, Makurdi, Benue. Classified as a Private Unlimited Company with unspecified activities, its profile lists Jim Onyeke and Veronica Onyeke as directors.

Veronica Onyeke, who hails from Ogbadibo Local Government Area, made history in 2018 by becoming the first female head of state in Benue since its creation in 1967. Appointed by then Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Onyeke transitioned from her role as Permanent Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor to this groundbreaking position. However, her tenure was cut short in 2023 when she was replaced by Moses Agbogbo Ode under the administration of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.

During her tenure as the head of state, Onyeke’s company, Onyeke Ventures Ltd, secured several government contracts, raising eyebrows and allegations of impropriety. Investigations reveal a series of payments made to Onyeke Ventures Ltd, suggesting a potential conflict of interest and violation of public office ethics.

Following her appointment in 2018, in 2019 Onyeke used her company to secure three contracts. In 2021 during her tenure as Head of Service, she obtained an additional contract. In 2024, she acquired two more contracts.

On March 11, 2019, the Project Development Institute in Enugu paid ₦9,206,892.42 to Onyeke Ventures Ltd for the supply of computer accessories and office stationery. On September 14, 2019, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency paid ₦7,175,761.29 to Onyeke Ventures Ltd for the renovation of a primary health care center in Otukpo, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State. On December 30, 2019, the Project Development Institute in Enugu made a final payment of ₦10,626,666.66 to Onyeke Ventures Ltd for Lot S13. On May 22, 2021, the Project Development Institute in Enugu paid ₦6,640,279.08 to Onyeke Ventures Ltd for the supply of computer accessories and office stationery for PRODA Lots 13 OC/EP/328/2020. On February 22, 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency paid ₦12,068,980.71 to Onyeke Ventures Ltd as a 30% mobilization payment for the rehabilitation of an office complex in Benue. On May 31, 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency paid ₦20,376,566.89 to Onyeke Ventures Ltd for the rehabilitation of the office complex in Benue State.

In total, Onyeke Ventures Ltd received ₦65,094,146.05 from these contracts. The substantial sum involved and the pattern of awards to Onyeke’s company during her public service raise significant ethical concerns. 

Under Nigerian law, it is illegal for a public servant to actively run a private company, except in agriculture. Furthermore, these contracts appear to violate the Code of Conduct Bureau’s regulations for public office holders, which aim to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency.

More so, the company has been struck off by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), making it ineligible for contracts. 

When a company is struck off by the CAC, it means that the company’s name has been removed from the official register of companies. This action is typically taken when a company fails to comply with legal requirements, such as filing annual returns or when it no longer operates. Once struck off, the company loses its legal status and cannot conduct business transactions or hold assets under its name12. To resume business activities, the company must obtain a formal restoration order from the Federal High Court.

Efforts to reach the MDAs involved were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.