The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited all 18 suspended local government area (LGA) chairpersons in Edo State to address allegations of financial misappropriation.
Sources within the EFCC disclosed that the investigation stems from a petition filed by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo. The petition accuses the chairpersons of failing to pay workers’ salaries for October and November, despite funds being allocated for this purpose. It further alleges that the money was diverted for unspecified uses.
On Thursday, December 19, nine of the suspended chairpersons appeared at the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Office for questioning, with the remaining nine scheduled to appear on Friday.
“The governor’s petition claims that the 18 LGA chairpersons did not pay workers and diverted funds meant for salaries,” an EFCC insider stated. “We have started investigations and are making progress.”
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the commission’s involvement but declined to provide additional details.
The probe comes after the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairpersons and their deputies for two months on Tuesday, citing alleged gross misconduct.
Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Assembly, revealed that the governor’s petition also accused the chairpersons of insubordination, including their refusal to submit financial records of their councils. The Assembly has launched its own inquiry into the matter.