In a surprising move, the EFCC arrests the Accountant General and other officials in Edo, prompting concern from Governor Obaseki amid ongoing investigations
As the transition of power to incoming Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is just days away, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Edo State’s Accountant General, Mr. Julius Anelu, along with four other key officials linked to state government accounts.
Sources indicate that the arrests, which have allegedly caused panic within outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s inner circle, are said to have occurred on Thursday. These involved officials who serve as primary signatories for the state’s financial accounts.
The officials are currently detained at the EFCC’s Benin office, a step thought to prevent possible last-minute withdrawals from state funds. Allegedly, the Edo State House of Assembly approved a budget just weeks before the new government’s planned inauguration, which may have prompted the agency’s involvement.
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According to one source, government operations have come to a virtual standstill, affecting payments for civil servants and pensions, as well as other public employees. Additionally, it is impacting crucial obligations such as security expenses.
“The source added that the commission plans to hold the detained officials until November 12, aligning with the conclusion of the current administration’s tenure.”
When contacted for a statement, Williams Oseghale, the EFCC’s spokesman in Edo, referred reporters to Dele Oyewale, the agency’s Public Relations Officer. However, as of this report’s publication time and despite sending follow-up text messages to Oyewale’s phone number no response had been received.
