EFCC arrests Edo Accountant General, others days to Obaseki’s handover

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Edo State Accountant General, Julius Anelu, and four other officials said to be signatories to the state government accounts.

There arrest is coming less than 11 days to the handing over to the Governor-elect, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, by the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.

According to reports, the five state government officials, reportedly arrested on Thursday, were being held at the Benin office of the EFCC.

It was gathered that the officials were arrested in a bid to halt 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

It was learnt that with the arrest, government activities had been grounded as the state was unable to pay emoluments due to civil servants, pensions, and other public servants.

Statutory payments such as security bills and other obligations were also affected.

Also, it is gathered that the EFCC intend to keep the arrested officials till November 12, when the tenure of the outgoing government would end.