Edo State Accountant General Arrested Over Multi-Billion Naira Scandal

Just In: Edo State Accountant General Arrested Over Multi-Billion Naira Scandal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Edo State’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu, along with two other senior government officials, over alleged significant withdrawals from the state’s account.…….CONTINUE READING 

According to EFCC sources who spoke to Punch, the arrests stem from concerns regarding the disbursement of funds.

Recently, N24.6 billion was deposited into Edo State’s account, but only about N14 billion remained within a week, raising red flags about the rapid outflow of money.

An EFCC insider explained that the agency’s actions aim to safeguard the state’s financial integrity rather than impede its operations.

“We have arrested about two to three individuals, including the state’s Accountant General. Our investigation into Governor Godwin Obaseki began in 2022, but this recent arrest was prompted by substantial withdrawals from the state’s derivation account.

“The sums involved were considerable. For instance, a few weeks ago, N24.6 billion was credited to that account, but less than a week later, only N14 billion was left. To protect the state, we felt it necessary to act swiftly. We are not trying to disrupt state activities in any way,” the source stated.

These developments follow allegations made by the Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who accused the Obaseki administration of engaging in last-minute borrowing and looting.

In a statement issued on October 16, Okpebholo called for investigations by the relevant authorities, including the EFCC, police, and the Department of State Services, into these claims.