The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Edo State Accountant General Julius Anelu, alongside two other government officials, over suspected large-scale withdrawals from the state’s account. The arrests were confirmed as of Friday evening around 7:30 pm, with the officials reportedly taken into custody for unexplained withdrawals totaling billions of naira.

An EFCC source disclosed that from an initial deposit of N24.6 billion into the state’s derivation account several weeks ago, approximately N14 billion had already been withdrawn within one week, leaving just a fraction of the funds. The agency acted quickly to investigate and contain any potential loss of public resources, the source emphasized, disputing claims that the EFCC’s actions might hamper the state’s operations.

“We detained two to three officials, including the Accountant General, after a close look into withdrawals from the state’s derivation account,” the source confirmed. “In just a week, only N14 billion remained out of N24.6 billion deposited, which raised concerns. Our intervention is intended to protect the state’s finances, not disrupt its activities.”

The EFCC has reportedly been investigating Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki since 2022, with this latest incident renewing the inquiry into the state’s financial activities. Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo had recently raised concerns about alleged “last-minute borrowings and looting” by the Obaseki administration, urging agencies like the EFCC, police, and DSS to investigate.

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, has yet to officially comment, despite attempts to reach him by phone and message.