₦96 Billion Fraud Bombshell: Edo Panel Exposes Obaseki, Impeached LG Bosses

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has received the report from the Administrative Panel of Enquiry established on December 18, 2024, to investigate the financial activities of the 18 impeached Local Government Chairmen between September 4, 2023, and November 2024.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The findings allegedly implicate former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other undisclosed individuals.

Following the damning revelations, Governor Okpebholo has vowed to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua.

Presenting the report to Governor Okpebholo over the weekend, the panel’s chairman, Solomon Imohiosen, revealed that forensic investigations uncovered significant financial irregularities, with approximately ₦96 billion mismanaged or diverted into private accounts.

“The investigation exposed massive discrepancies in the financial transactions of the 18 Local Government Councils. The recommendations in this report are aimed at restoring transparency and accountability in Local Government finances,” Imohiosen stated.

According to the findings, the 18 Local Government Chairmen collectively received ₦95 billion from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) within the period under review. However, the panel found that these funds were not properly utilized, as no substantial projects justified the expenditures.

The report further alleged that Local Government funds were fraudulently diverted to political godfathers in the state, with over ₦10 billion siphoned under the guise of “Security, Environment, and Training.”

Additionally, it was revealed that the impeached Local Government Chairmen contributed to a secret account, which served as a channel for misappropriating public funds. Money from this account was reportedly transferred to various individuals and private companies.

Beyond the indicted Local Government Chairmen, the report directly implicates former Governor Godwin Obaseki, factional PDP leaders, and other key political figures in the alleged fraud.