In a significant pre transition development in Edo State, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action, reportedly arresting several key government officials, including Accountant General Julius Anelu. These officials are believed to be signatories to the Edo State government accounts, and their detention is stirring political and financial conversations just days before the handover of power to the incoming administration.
Sources close to the EFCC revealed that the anti corruption agency has been monitoring the financial activities of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration for some time. The tipping point came recently, after Edo State received a derivation fund of N24.6 billion. According to reports, over N10 billion of this sum was withdrawn within a short period, leaving only N14 billion in the state’s coffers. Concerned by the sudden outflow, the EFCC moved to secure the remaining funds by detaining key financial officers in the administration.
The arrests appear to be part of an effort to prevent any further depletion of state funds before the November 12 handover to the newly elected Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This comes as Edo prepares for a change in leadership following the September 21, 2024, governorship election. By holding these officials in custody, the EFCC aims to temporarily block access to the state’s remaining funds and prevent any last-minute expenditures that could impact the financial health of the state under the new administration.
Reports suggest that the arrest of the Accountant General and other key officials has effectively halted government functions in Edo State. With the detained officials being the primary signatories to the state’s accounts, access to state funds is now restricted. As a result, payments for critical expenses, including civil servants’ salaries, pensions, security bills, and other obligations, are reportedly on hold. The situation has created a logistical challenge for the state government, which may struggle to fulfill financial commitments in the final days of Obaseki's tenure.
Despite attempts to reach the EFCC for comment, confirmation of the full details has been limited. Williams Oseghale, the EFCC spokesperson for Edo State, directed queries to the Commission’s head spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who has yet to respond. The silence from officials has only fueled speculation, with many in Edo watching closely to see how this situation unfolds in the coming days.
The timing of this development, with less than two weeks until the new administration takes office, raises questions about the financial transparency and legacy of the outgoing government. This arrest underscores the EFCC’s increasing involvement in state level financial matters, especially during sensitive transition periods. As Edo prepares for the leadership handover, the detention of key officials signals that the anti graft agency is keen to ensure an orderly financial transfer, protecting public funds and preventing potential misuse.
The detained officials may remain in custody until the handover date, November 12, adding a layer of scrutiny to the outgoing government’s financial activities and signaling a cautious transition for Edo State. This unfolding story highlights the EFCC's role in overseeing state finances and the evolving landscape of Nigerian politics as new administrations take office.