With less than 11 days to the handover from outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki to Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Edo State Accountant General, Mr. Julius O. Anelu, along with four other top officials allegedly tied to the state’s financial accounts.
Sources disclosed that the officials, apprehended on Thursday, are currently detained at the EFCC’s Benin office.
It is reported that the EFCC’s action aims to prevent potential last-minute withdrawals from the state treasury, particularly following a budget recently approved by the Edo State House of Assembly, just weeks ahead of the new administration’s inauguration.
This move is seen as a measure to ensure transparency and prevent financial irregularities as the state undergoes its administrative transition.
According to insiders, the arrest of these key financial officials has led to a temporary halt in government activities, including the payment of civil service salaries, pensions, and security allocations.
“Statutory payments have also been affected due to the detention of signatories on government accounts,” a source close to the investigation noted.
When reached for comment, EFCC spokesperson in Edo State, Williams Oseghale, redirected inquiries to the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Dele Oyewale, who was unavailable for immediate response. Efforts to obtain a statement from Oyewale are ongoing.
Credit: Daily Trust
