EFCC Places Former Edo Governor Obaseki on Watchlist Amid Contract Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on its watchlist while initiating an investigation into contracts and financial transactions during his tenure. Obaseki completed his eight-year term on November 12, 2024.

The former governor had previously claimed that the EFCC was planning to arrest him following his exit from office. His successor, Monday Okpebholo, recently formed a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to examine Obaseki’s administration.

Earlier, on November 2, the EFCC arrested five senior Edo government officials who served under Obaseki, including Accountant General Julius Anelu, over significant withdrawals from the state treasury. Despite this, Obaseki stated on November 8 that he was unafraid of a probe and expressed his readiness to cooperate with the EFCC to account for his time in office.

Sources within the EFCC revealed that while investigations are ongoing, no substantial evidence directly implicates Obaseki in questionable transactions. A source explained that investigators are scrutinizing contracts and financial dealings from his administration, noting that Obaseki often operated through intermediaries. “There have been leads we are following, and we hope to uncover something substantial,” the source added.

Regarding the watchlist, another source clarified that all former governors are routinely monitored by the EFCC to ensure they are available for questioning if needed. “We can’t let them leave the country and then start chasing them later,” the source explained.