The Edo State Government has vowed to prosecute officials implicated in the alleged N96 billion fraud uncovered in the state’s Local Government (LG) system, including former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the recently impeached 18 LG chairmen.
Governor Monday Okpebholo made this known while receiving the report of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry, which investigated financial dealings across the 18 LG councils from September 4, 2023, to November 2024.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have expressed dismay over the findings, stressing that the days of financial recklessness in public office were over.
Governor Okpebholo vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure swift prosecution of those responsible.
“The administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They looted the state and channeled resources for personal gains. This time, things are different. We will go after them and retrieve what they have stolen from Edo people.”
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Edo’s development and pledged that his government would not allow corruption to thrive.
Panel Findings indicated that N96bn Mismanaged, N10bn Siphoned Through Fake Accounts
The panel, chaired by Barr. Solomon Imohiosen, uncovered that N95.08 billion was received by the 18 LGs from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) within the period under review, yet no meaningful projects were found to justify the expenditure.
Additionally, over N10.4 billion was fraudulently siphoned under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training,” with funds funneled into private accounts and companies linked to political godfathers.
“The 18 LG chairmen contributed to a secret account that served as a conduit to divert funds. These transactions were traced to individuals and companies, exposing widespread corruption,” the panel reported.
The panel faced challenges such as late and incomplete financial submissions and deliberate obstruction by council personnel.
Despite these, forensic investigations uncovered fraudulent transactions linked to: Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe (Former ALGON Chairman), Demarriots Hotels Limited (Owned by Ugiagbe), Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan.
Governor Okpebholo assured Edo residents that his administration would not shield anyone found guilty.
“I will personally take this report to the EFCC and ensure justice is served. Edo people deserve better, and we will not allow corrupt leaders to escape accountability.”
The Edo State Government has pledged full transparency in handling the case, signaling a renewed commitment to accountability and good governance.
