Edo Warns EFCC Arrests Threaten State Governance

|By Adejumo Adekunle –

Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, stated that the recent arrest of the state’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu, along with two other officials, threatens to cripple government operations. In a statement on Saturday, Nehikhare explained, “From Monday, the state government will be unable to meet basic responsibilities due to these actions.”

The arrests stem from an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) inquiry, with officials being detained regarding loans and agricultural funds dating back to 2018—a facility the state claims was fully repaid. According to Nehikhare, “The EFCC seems intent on disrupting governance in Edo State,” as the arrests appear timed with the administration’s term ending on November 12.

Nehikhare condemned the detentions as “reprehensible” and called on the EFCC to release the officials immediately. He stressed, “Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, operates transparently and will continue to serve the people until its last day in office.”