A damning report by an Edo State government panel has allegedly indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki, PDP leaders, and local government chairmen for mismanaging and diverting N96 billion meant for development. Governor Okpebholo has vowed to involve the EFCC for immediate prosecution. Full details inside.
A high-profile financial scandal has rocked Edo State as an administrative panel of inquiry set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo has allegedly indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki, local government chairmen, and key leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for mismanaging and diverting over N96 billion meant for local government development.
The explosive findings were contained in a report submitted to the governor by the panel’s chairman, Solomon Imohiosen, detailing widespread corruption, fraudulent financial practices, and outright looting of public funds.
Panel Uncovers Large-Scale Embezzlement
According to the report, between September 4, 2023, and November 2024, a staggering N95,080,676,687.86 was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 local government chairmen. However, the funds were allegedly mismanaged, with no significant projects to justify the expenditure.
The panel further revealed that over N10.4 billion was fraudulently siphoned under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training,” exposing a systematic scheme used to divert funds meant for local government development into private pockets.
Key Officials and PDP Leaders Implicated
Among those allegedly indicted is the former chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government, Newman Ugiagbe, who also served as the Edo State chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). The panel accused Ugiagbe of using his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, in collusion with other officials, to facilitate the looting of local government funds.
Other individuals implicated include:
Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo
Eric Agbonmwanre
Abraham Burma
Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan
The report states that funds were funneled into personal accounts and those of political godfathers, effectively draining government resources and stalling developmental projects across Edo State.
Obstruction of Investigation and Document Concealment
The panel faced numerous obstacles in the course of its investigation, including delayed and incomplete financial record submissions from local government officials. Some council personnel allegedly attempted to obstruct the probe, only providing financial documents as an afterthought, bringing hefty sacks of records in a bid to overwhelm the investigators.
Despite these challenges, forensic investigations uncovered large-scale financial mismanagement and confirmed that the funds meant for local projects had been illegally diverted.
Governor Okpebholo Vows to Involve EFCC
Reacting to the shocking revelations, Governor Monday Okpebholo vowed to ensure that justice is served, stating that he would personally petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the prosecution of those involved.
“The truth is that the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They looted everything belonging to the people and channeled it for personal gains. This is unacceptable,” Okpebholo declared.
He further emphasized that with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state is witnessing a shift towards transparency and accountability, promising that all those involved in the looting would be made to pay for their actions.
“I will personally take this report to the EFCC and ensure that justice is done. The days of financial recklessness are over. Nigerians must demand accountability from elected officials, and we must set the precedent in Edo State.”
Next Steps and Possible Legal Action
With the findings now public, pressure is mounting for immediate legal action against those implicated. Governor Okpebholo has assured the people of Edo State that he is committed to retrieving the stolen funds and restoring integrity to the local government system.
As the EFCC prepares to step in, all eyes are on the unfolding developments, with many calling for swift justice to serve as a deterrent against future financial misconduct in the state.
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