EFCC Detains Edo State Officials Over Agricultural Loan Inquiry, State Government Raises Concerns

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently detained four officials from the Edo State Treasury Office, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, at its Benin office. The EFCC's action comes after the officials were summoned to address questions concerning agricultural loans received by the Edo State Government from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) between 2018 and now.

The EFCC invitation, directed to the Secretary to the State Government, sought explanations regarding the loan’s handling. According to Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the state has fully repaid these loans. Nehikhare stated that while the initially invited officials complied and appeared before the EFCC on Thursday, the commission requested an additional signatory, not included in the original invitation, to come forward. This new official is currently held at the EFCC’s Abuja office alongside those initially invited.

The Edo State Government issued a statement expressing concern over what it sees as the EFCC’s efforts to disrupt governance. The government alleges that the EFCC aims to detain these officials until November 12, the last day of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, effectively stalling essential state functions.

“The EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and is following a script that poses a serious threat to democracy. The supposed purpose of the officials’ invitation has shifted, as the agency intends to keep them detained until November 12, when the administration ends,” Nehikhare stated.

The state government warned that prolonged detention of these key officials could bring critical state operations to a halt starting Monday, impacting essential services and obligations.

"This malicious action is highly condemnable, and we urge the EFCC to act responsibly for the sake of democracy, justice, peace, and the well-being of Edo residents," the statement read. "Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has operated with transparency and accountability, and its tenure is valid until November 12, 2024. No unconstitutional actions should hinder its work."

The unfolding situation has sparked debate over the EFCC’s role in the matter, with Edo State officials and citizens calling for clarity on the agency's motivations and concerns over potential impacts on governance in the final days of Obaseki’s administration.