The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Edo State Accountant General, Julius O. Anelu, and four other officials who are signatories to the state government accounts.
This comes just 11 days before Governor Godwin Obaseki hands over to Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo.
According to sources, the five officials were taken into custody on Thursday and are currently being held at the EFCC’s Benin office.
The arrests are believed to be a preventive measure to forestall last-minute withdrawals from the state account, following a budget allegedly approved by the Edo State House of Assembly about two weeks ago.
The aftermath of the arrests has seen government activities grind to a halt, with the state unable to pay salaries, pensions, and other statutory payments, including security bills.
The EFCC plans to keep the arrested officials in custody until November 12, when Obaseki’s tenure officially ends.