EFCC Arrests Edo State Accountant General Over Alleged Large-Scale Withdrawals Amid End of Obaseki Administration

 

As the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki nears its conclusion, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Edo State’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu, along with two other government officials. The arrests are tied to alleged substantial withdrawals from the state’s derivation account, raising suspicions of last-minute financial mismanagement.

The development follows accusations from Senator Monday Okpebholo, who claims the Obaseki administration has been involved in “last-minute borrowings and looting.” According to a reliable EFCC source, the government’s account received a deposit of N24.6 billion, but only N14 billion remained within a week after the initial deposit. This triggered the EFCC to intervene, citing the need to prevent any further financial depletion in the state.

“We had to make these arrests, including that of the state’s Accountant General, due to considerable withdrawals from the derivation account,” said the source. “This action is aimed at protecting state funds and not meant to disrupt government operations.”

While the EFCC has not yet issued an official statement, the agency has reportedly been investigating Governor Obaseki since 2022. This recent arrest further intensifies scrutiny of the administration’s finances as it prepares to transition.

In October, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu voiced concerns about alleged mismanagement of state funds and ongoing last-minute borrowing by Governor Obaseki’s team. At a press briefing in Benin City, Shaibu disclosed that he had offered a financial reward for any information on suspected looting activities, emphasizing that he has evidence to substantiate his claims.

Shaibu also called on the EFCC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies to probe suspected misappropriation of funds allocated for various projects, including the state’s Ministry of Roads and Bridges, the ongoing Radisson Hotel project, and last-minute government appointments.

The situation has cast a spotlight on the financial conduct of Edo State’s government as the Obaseki administration draws to a close, with further inquiries expected as watchdog agencies intensify their investigations.