Shockwaves In Edo! Panel Uncovers Alleged ₦96 Billion Fraud Tied To Obaseki, LG Chairmen

Shockwaves In Edo! Panel Uncovers Alleged ₦96 Billion Fraud Tied To Obaseki, LG Chairmen

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has received the report from the Administrative Panel of Enquiry established on December 18, 2024, to investigate the financial activities of the 18 impeached Local Government Chairmen between September 4, 2023, and November 2024.……READ MORE 

The findings reportedly implicated former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other unidentified individuals.

Following the report’s revelations, Governor Okpebholo has vowed to escalate the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

During the presentation of the report, the panel’s chairman, Solomon Imohiosen, stated that forensic investigations uncovered widespread financial mismanagement, with approximately ₦96 billion either misused or funneled into private accounts.

“The investigation revealed major irregularities in the financial operations of the 18 Local Government Councils. The recommendations in the report aim to address these issues and enforce greater transparency and accountability in the management of Local Government funds,” Imohiosen noted.

According to the report, the 18 Local Government Chairmen collectively received ₦95 billion from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) during the review period.

However, the panel found that the funds were grossly mismanaged, with no substantial projects to justify the expenditure.

The report also alleged that a significant portion of the Local Government funds was fraudulently funneled to political figures in the state, with over ₦10 billion siphoned under the pretense of “Security, Environment, and Training.”

Additionally, the report claimed that the impeached Local Government Chairmen contributed to a special account that served as a conduit for diverting public funds, with large sums transferred from this account to various individuals and companies.

Beyond the Local Government officials, the findings also reportedly implicated former Governor Godwin Obaseki, factional PDP leaders, and other yet-to-be-named individuals.