Edo State Officials Face EFCC Crackdown Amid Allegations Of Corruption

Edo State Officials Face EFCC Crackdown Amid Allegations Of Corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued an invitation to officials from the Edo State Government ahead of their arrest and detention, according to documents that have surfaced. Naija News has learned that several Edo State government officials, who are signatories to the state’s accounts, have been apprehended………CONTINUE READING 

Sources indicate that around five officials, including the Accountant General of Edo State, are currently being held at the EFCC’s Benin office. They were reportedly arrested on Thursday after attending a briefing at the agency’s invitation.

The officials summoned for questioning by the EFCC include Accountant General Julius O. Anelu, Martina Osasu-Uwoghiren, Adaghe Anthony, and Okhomina Godwin.

Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, confirmed the arrests to Naija News, accusing the EFCC of attempting to undermine governance in the state. He asserted that the Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, operates transparently and responsibly.

In his statement, he noted: “On October 28, 2024, the EFCC invited four officials from the Edo State Treasury Office, including Accountant General Julius Anelu, to its Benin Office. The invitation letter, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government and titled ‘Loans and Agricultural Interventions Granted to Edo State Government from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) from 2018 to date,’ pertains to an agricultural facility that has already been repaid by the state.

“The government officials, including the State Accountant, complied with the invitation to provide necessary information. However, upon discovering that one of the invited officials was no longer a signatory to the government account, the EFCC released that officer but requested the current signatory’s name, which was not included in the original invitation. This individual is now detained in Abuja alongside the others.

“The EFCC appears intent on destabilizing governance in Edo State and following a dangerous script for our democracy. The motive behind the invitation to these civil servants is evident; they are being held until November 12, the day the current administration concludes its term.

“Starting Monday, the government will be incapacitated and unable to fulfill its fundamental responsibilities. This underhanded tactic is utterly condemnable, and we call on the EFCC to act in a manner that respects democracy, justice, and the welfare of the Edo people by releasing these officials immediately instead of plunging the state into chaos.

“The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, operates with transparency and accountability. This government remains in place until November 12, 2024, and any unconstitutional actions that obstruct its operations are unacceptable.”