EFCC arrests Edo Accountant-General, others ahead of Gov Obaseki’s handover

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commision, EFCC, has arrested the Edo State Accountant General, Mr. Julius O. Anelu, and four other officials.

They are also believed to be signatories to the government accounts.

This comes with less than 11 days to Governor Godwin Obaseki handing over to the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

According to Daily Trust, the five state government officials were being held at the Benin office of the agency.

It is believed the EFCC intends to keep the arrested officials till November 12, when Obaseki’s tenure ends.

The officials have been arrested apparently 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.

The 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.