Edo Accountant General, others arrested over N5B loan

Just twelve days before the inauguration of a new government in Edo State, the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, along with three other officials, has reportedly been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating a N5 billion agricultural loan

The arrests occurred on Thursday, and as of Friday evening, the individuals remain in EFCC custody in Benin.

Reports suggest they may be transferred to Abuja on Saturday for further investigation.

The officials were reportedly called in for a briefing before being detained. This development has led to a significant slowdown in government activities, according to sources.

The arrests have affected key account signatories, making it difficult for the state government to access funds.

The implications of this situation could be extensive, particularly as the state approaches its administrative transition.

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

When contacted for confirmation, the EFCC’s Edo State spokesman, Williams Oseghale, directed inquiries to the Commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja.

Oyewale, when reached by phone, requested a text message but had not yet responded at the time of this report.

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