Babatunji Wusu –

• EFCC is investigating Godwin Obaseki’s financial dealings during his tenure as Edo State Governor.
• Investigations focus on contracts and financial transactions, with some senior officials already detained.
• Obaseki maintains his readiness to face scrutiny and defend his record.
• No direct link to irregularities has been established against him so far.
• Former governors are automatically monitored by the EFCC to prevent them from leaving the country during investigations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun scrutinizing the financial activities of Godwin Obaseki, former Governor of Edo State, as part of an investigation into his administration. The focus is on contracts and financial transactions that occurred during his eight-year tenure in office.

Obaseki, who concluded his term on November 12, had previously claimed that the EFCC planned to arrest him immediately after he left office. In response, Edo’s new governor, Monday Okpebholo, established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to assess the financial management of Obaseki’s administration.

On November 2, the EFCC detained five senior officials from Obaseki’s government, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, in connection with significant withdrawals from the state treasury made in a short period.

Despite these developments, Obaseki has shown willingness to cooperate, asserting on November 8 that he is prepared to face any investigation and provide full accountability for his actions while in office.

While the EFCC is still gathering evidence, sources within the agency have indicated that no direct connection has been established between Obaseki and any financial irregularities. Investigators are focusing on contracts and transactions during his tenure, though no formal invitation has been extended to him for questioning yet.

Moreover, former governors, including Obaseki, are automatically placed on the EFCC’s watch list, a precautionary measure to prevent them from fleeing the country during ongoing investigations.