A government-appointed panel in Edo State has indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki, factional leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the recently impeached 18 Local Government Chairmen over the alleged mismanagement and diversion of N96 billion in public funds.
The revelation was made by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the weekend while receiving the report of the Administrative Panel of Enquiry, which was set up on December 18, 2024, to probe the financial dealings of the impeached chairmen from September 4, 2023, to November 2024.
Governor Okpebholo, expressed dismay over the findings, vowed to take decisive action by petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for immediate prosecution of those indicted. He declared that the days of financial recklessness in public office were over, emphasizing the need for accountability.
“The administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They diverted public funds for personal gains. This time, things will be different. We will retrieve what has been stolen and ensure justice for the people of Edo,” Okpebholo stated.
The panel’s findings revealed that the 18 Local Government Chairmen collectively received N95.08 billion from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) within the period under investigation. However, forensic analysis found no meaningful projects to justify the funds received.
Additionally, the panel discovered that over N10.4 billion was fraudulently siphoned through a covert account under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training”, which was allegedly used as a conduit to divert funds to political godfathers and private entities.
The report specifically indicted former ALGON Chairman, Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe, and several individuals, including Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma, and Dickson Imasogie Notiemwenmwan, for allegedly looting local government funds through private businesses, including Ugiagbe’s Demarriots Hotels Limited.
Chairman of the panel, Barr. Solomon Imohiosen, while presenting the report, lamented the obstruction of investigations by some council officials, who delayed financial submissions and later presented incomplete or overwhelming amounts of records as an afterthought.
“The panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 Local Government Councils. The recommendations outlined in the report aim to address these issues and promote transparency and accountability in local government finances,” Imohiosen stated.
Governor Okpebholo reassured the people of Edo State that his administration would not tolerate corruption, stressing that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
