The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its investigation into former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, scrutinizing various financial transactions and contracts awarded during his eight-year tenure.
Obaseki, who completed his term on November 12, had previously voiced concerns that the EFCC would take action against him as soon as he left office. This sentiment came amid growing public interest in the financial dealings of his administration and reports that the anti-graft agency is investigating contracts and expenditures authorized during his governorship.
Edo State’s new governor, Monday Okpebholo, has also taken steps to review the previous administration’s activities, appointing a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee tasked with evaluating Obaseki’s use of state assets.
This committee’s work aligns with the EFCC’s probe, which appears focused on understanding how state resources were managed and identifying any potential irregularities.
On November 2, as part of its investigation, the EFCC detained several top officials from Obaseki’s administration, including the former Accountant General, Julius Anelu. Their detainment is reportedly linked to large and frequent withdrawals from the state treasury, raising questions about the intended purpose of these funds and the timeframe of the transactions.
Despite these developments, Obaseki has expressed confidence in his record, stating on November 8 that he has nothing to hide and is fully prepared to answer any questions regarding his administration. He emphasized his willingness to cooperate with authorities and to provide a transparent account of his tenure.
According to EFCC insiders, the investigation remains in its early stages, with no concrete evidence of direct wrongdoing linked to Obaseki himself. One EFCC source disclosed that the former governor’s role in specific financial decisions may be limited due to the delegation of duties to other officials. “The investigation is ongoing, but Obaseki won’t be formally invited for questioning until we have advanced further. So far, there’s no clear link directly implicating him, though we are examining various contracts and transactions under his administration,” the source shared.
Another insider mentioned that Obaseki, like all former governors, is under automatic surveillance by the EFCC, a standard measure to ensure they remain accessible during any active investigations. “It’s routine for the EFCC to monitor former governors, preventing them from leaving the country if there are ongoing cases,” the source added.
As the probe unfolds, the public awaits further developments regarding Edo State’s recent financial history. Meanwhile, Obaseki’s statement suggests he remains resolute in addressing any concerns raised by the EFCC or state authorities regarding his management of public funds.
