Edo State Accountant General and Three Others Arrested by EFCC Over Alleged Misappropriation of N5 Billion Loan

Twelve days before the inauguration of a new administration in Edo State, the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, and three others were reportedly arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of misappropriating a N5 billion agricultural loan.

The arrests took place on Thursday, and as of Friday evening, the officials remained in EFCC custody in Benin.

Sources indicate that they may be transferred to Abuja on Saturday for further investigation.

The officials were allegedly invited for a briefing, after which they were detained, causing a significant disruption in government operations.

The arrests have left the state unable to access government funds, as the officials involved are signatories to key accounts.

This development could have substantial implications, especially as the state prepares for a governmental transition.

A government source confirmed, “They were arrested for a five-billion-naira agricultural loan on Thursday, and as of Friday night, they are still with the EFCC. We understand they may be moved to Abuja on Saturday.”

When asked for confirmation, EFCC spokesperson in Edo State, Williams Oseghale, referred reporters to the Commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja. However, when contacted, Oyewale requested a text message but had not yet responded as of the time of this report.