The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Edo State Accountant General, Mr. Julius .O. Anelu, and four other officials said to be signatories to the state government accounts.
According to Daily Trust, the five state government officials reportedly arrested on Thursday, October 31, 2024, were being held at the Benin office of the agency.
This is coming less than 11 days to the handing over to the Governor-Elect, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, by the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.
It was also gathered that the officials were arrested to forestall last minute withdrawal from the state account following the budget allegedly approved by the Edo State House of Assembly about two weeks to the inauguration of the new government.
A source said with the arrest, government activities had been halted, as the state was unable to pay emoluments due to civil servants, pensions, and other public servants.
He added that other statutory payments such as security bills and other obligations were also affected.
According to the source, the commission intends to keep the arrested officials till November 12, when the tenure of the outgoing government would end.
When contacted, the EFCC spokesman in Edo State, Williams Oseghale, simply directed the publication to the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Dele Oyewale.