The United States Department of State has dismissed reports alleging that the administration of former President Barack Obama imposed a visa ban on former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), and members of his immediate family in 2010.
The clarification followed an inquiry by this newspaper and its media partners, who sought verification through the official email channel of the Department of State.
The request was prompted by widespread social media claims, allegedly circulated by handlers linked to the Benue State Government, asserting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate remained under a U.S. travel ban.
In its response, an official of the U.S. Department of State, Ms. Grace Smith, stated unequivocally that there is no record of any visa ban imposed on Aondoakaa or his family members.
According to her, a thorough check of available records showed no evidence that the Obama administration ever sanctioned the former minister in such a manner.
She further clarified that current checks also confirmed that neither Aondoakaa nor any member of his immediate family is presently under any form of visa restriction by the United States government.
Independent findings by this newspaper also cast doubt on the authenticity of the claims. Records show that in April 2014, a former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, alongside his wife and other dignitaries, visited Mikap Nigeria Limited, a company linked to Aondoakaa.
The visit was aimed at inspecting the firm’s agricultural processing operations, particularly its production of polished parboiled rice, as well as strengthening business ties under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s MARKETS II programme.
Further checks revealed that in June 2014, a delegation led by a Director General of USAID travelled from Washington, D.C., to Nigeria on a familiarisation visit to the Miva Rice factory.
Howèer, observers note that such high-level engagements would have been unlikely if any travel restrictions had been in place against Aondoakaa at the time.
Reacting to the controversy, an advocacy group, Benue for Good Governance, challenged those propagating the claims to provide verifiable evidence.
In a statement issued by its Secretary, Dr. Joy Mamwoo, the group described the reports as misleading and politically motivated.
Mamwoo noted that Aondoakaa’s agricultural investments, particularly the Miva Rice Mill established in 2011, have significantly contributed to commercial agriculture and agro-processing in Nigeria.
According to her, the facility has a processing capacity of 8.5 metric tonnes per hour and has attracted international attention, including from U.S. development agencies.
The group also called on Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to engage in issue-based discourse rather than allegedly encouraging the spread of unverified claims through media channels.
The controversy underscores growing tensions in Benue’s political landscape ahead of the forthcoming governorship contest, with stakeholders urging restraint and adherence to factual reporting.
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