The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained four officials from the Edo State Treasury Office, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, at its Benin Office. This follows an invitation extended to them regarding agricultural loans received by the Edo State Government from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) between 2018 and the present.
The invitation letter, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, requested the officials’ presence to answer questions regarding the loan facility, which, according to a statement from Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, has already been fully repaid by the state government.
According to Nehikhare, the officials honored the EFCC’s invitation on Thursday. However, upon discovering that one of the invited officials was no longer a signatory to the government’s account, the EFCC reportedly requested the current signatory, who was not included in the original letter, to come forward. This new official is also being detained at the EFCC’s Abuja office, along with those who were initially invited.
In a statement, the Edo State Government expressed serious concerns over what it perceives as an attempt to hinder its operations. The statement alleged that the EFCC’s actions seem designed to “cripple governance” in Edo State and that the agency intends to hold the officials in custody until November 12, the last day of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
“The EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and acting out a script that portends grave danger to democracy. The reason for the invitation of these civil servants is clear, contrary to the invitation letter is to keep them in EFCC custody till November 12, on the day of the termination of the tenure of this government,” Nehikhare stated.
The government warned that if the situation continues, it could lead to a standstill in critical operations from Monday, making it difficult to meet essential state obligations.
“This devious action is most condemnable and reprehensible, and we urge the EFCC to act responsibly in the interest of democracy, justice, peace, and the well-being of Edo people,” the statement read. “The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, runs a transparent and accountable administration. This government’s tenure runs until November 12, 2024, and unconstitutional actions should not be done to hinder its operations.”
