Edo Government Indicts Obaseki, PDP Leaders, And Impeached LG Chairmen In N96 Billion Fraud Scandal
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will prosecute several recently impeached Local Government chairmen indicted for allegedly embezzling N96 billion from Local Government treasuries.
The governor made the revelation on Saturday, February 15, 2025, while receiving the report of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry set up in December 2024 to investigate financial dealings of the 18 impeached Local Government chairmen between September 4, 2023, and November 2024.
The report also implicated former Governor Godwin Obaseki, factional leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other officials in the alleged financial misconduct.
Governor Okpebholo, expressing dismay over the findings, vowed to ensure those responsible face legal consequences.
“The administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They diverted public funds for personal gain, but those days are over. Nigerians must demand accountability from public office holders to fight corruption and ensure development,” he stated.
He further emphasized his commitment to justice, pledging to personally deliver the report to the EFCC.
“The PDP looted the Local Government treasury and stole from the people of Edo. Unlike before, this time, we will go after them and retrieve what was stolen. They will be made to pay for it.”
Presenting the report, the panel chairman, Solomon Imohiosen, revealed that forensic investigations uncovered mismanagement and diversion of N96 billion.
According to the findings, the 18 Local Government chairmen received N95.08 billion from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) during the period under review, but the funds were not used for meaningful development projects.
The report also indicted former ALGON Chairman Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe and others, including Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan, for allegedly diverting public funds through personal businesses such as Demarriots Hotels Limited.
The Edo State government has vowed to pursue justice, ensuring that those implicated are held accountable for the alleged financial misappropriation.
