EFCC arrests Edo Accountant General, 4 other govt officials

In a major crackdown, operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended Julius Anelu, the Accountant-General of Edo State, alongside two other top government officials linked to outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The arrests, made on Friday, November 1, 2024, are part of an ongoing investigation into the suspected diversion of N26.6 billion in oil derivation funds allocated to the state.

The Postcard has confirmed that the arrests were carried out by the EFCC’s Edo State Command in Benin following months of covert surveillance. According to sources within the agency, the EFCC grew concerned after N13.6 billion was withdrawn from the derivation account within a week, leaving just N13 billion. Fearing further suspicious transactions, the Commission detained the Accountant-General and the other officials, who are reportedly signatories to key government accounts.

Governor Obaseki, who has been under the EFCC’s watch list since 2022, is set to hand over power on November 12 to Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the recent Edo governorship election. The arrests, coming just 10 days before the administration’s exit, have had immediate ramifications, effectively paralyzing government activities. Payments for civil servant salaries, pensions, and other essential services have reportedly stalled due to the detention of the officials and the ensuing investigation.

The EFCC has launched an intensive inquiry into the alleged misappropriation, signaling a critical moment for Edo State as it transitions to new leadership amidst allegations of high-level corruption.