In a shocking move, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Accountant General of Edo State, Julius Anelu, and two other government officials, as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration comes to an end.The arrests were made due to alleged huge withdrawals from the State’s derivation account.
According to sources, N24.6 billion was paid into the government’s account, but only N14 billion remained within one week. This raised suspicions, prompting the EFCC to take action. An impeccable source within the EFCC revealed that the commission has been investigating Governor Obaseki since 2022 but made the arrests due to the recent withdrawals .
Senator Monday Okpebholo had previously accused the Obaseki administration of “last-minute borrowings and looting”. Additionally, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu raised concerns about plans to steal from the state treasury, offering a N1 million reward for information on alleged looting .
The EFCC’s swift action aims to prevent further financial mismanagement. The commission’s source stated, “We are not in any way doing that to ground the state activities” . However, the EFCC is yet to officially comment on the development.
This development comes amidst allegations of misappropriation of funds meant for projects, including the ministry of roads and bridges and the ongoing Radisson Hotel project . The EFCC, Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies have been urged to investigate these claims.
