EFCC battles Edo gov’t officials over N14.6bn single swoop withdrawal, takes Accountant-General, two others into custody

The Accountant-General of Edo State, Julius Anelu, other officials who are signatory to the accounts of the State Government have been arrested and taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

This is just about twelve day to the change of baton following the election victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Trouble started when it was discovered that Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government got the sum of N24.6 billion as derivation fund, but was withdrawn with substantial party of the money in a single swoop within a few days, remaining N14 billion.

A source close to the EFCC, confirmed the arrest of the officials on Thursday by operatives of Edo Zonal office Friday.

The anti-graft agency was reportedly investigating Edo State in a covert manner, saying: “But, about two weeks ago, the state government collected N24.6billion as derivation fund. You can’t believe that between last week and this week, they have drawn that money down to N14billion.

“They’ve spent over N10billion. Those officials are in custody to save the coffers of that state,” the EFCC source said.

CAPITAL POST recalled the governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo raised the alarm last week that there was ongoing looting of the State treasury by the outgoing administration and warned Banks not to compromise to their peril.