EFCC Probes Suspended Edo LG Chiefs for Alleged Fund Misuse

Edo Local Government Leaders Summoned by EFCC: Fund Misappropriation Concerns

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the suspended chairpersons of all 18 local government areas in Edo State for questioning over alleged misappropriation of funds.

This action follows a petition from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who accused the chairpersons of failing to pay workers’ salaries for October and November, alleging that the allocated funds were diverted for unknown purposes.

In response to the petition, the EFCC issued invitations to the suspended chairpersons, requesting their presence at the Benin zonal office for interrogation.

The commission has asked them to provide certified true copies of documents related to staff strength, payroll, and accounts for salary payments.

As of December 19, 2024, nine of the chairpersons have appeared before the EFCC for questioning, with the remaining nine expected to do so subsequently.

The investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind the non-payment of salaries and to determine whether there was any diversion of funds intended for this purpose.

Earlier, on December 17, 2024, the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the chairpersons and their deputies for two months over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination, citing their refusal to submit financial records to the state government.

This suspension has been contested by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo, which argues that it violates a court order restraining such actions.