EFCC Allegedly Halts Edo State Operations, Detains Key Finance Officials

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly detained all key signatories to Edo State’s government accounts, a move that effectively freezes state financial operations less than two weeks before the transition of power.

According to sources, the EFCC’s actions aim to restrain the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki ahead of the official handover on November 12. The incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the September 21 governorship election and is set to assume office shortly.

Reports indicate that on Thursday evening, five senior Edo State officials, including Accountant General Julius Anelu, were detained after being summoned to the EFCC’s Benin office under the pretext of a briefing. Sources suggest that this unexpected detention has paralyzed the state’s financial functions, leaving the government unable to access its funds.

The implications are far-reaching. With all account signatories in EFCC custody, Edo State faces an immediate crisis in covering essential financial obligations, such as paying civil servant salaries, pensions, and other operational costs. Additionally, security funding and other statutory expenditures are reportedly stalled.

Sources close to the EFCC claim the officials may remain detained until the transition on November 12, complicating Governor Obaseki’s final days in office.

When approached for confirmation, the EFCC’s Edo State representative, Williams Oseghale, referred inquiries to the Commission’s national spokesman, Dele Oyewale. However, Oyewale has yet to respond, despite multiple requests for comment via text and WhatsApp messages.

An anonymous source close to the investigation verified on Friday that “the Accountant General and two others are in custody.” Further details are expected as this situation develops.