EFCC Places Former Edo Governor Obaseki on Watch List Amid Contract Probe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on its watch list. This development comes as the anti-graft agency commences an investigation into transactions, including contracts awarded during his tenure as governor.
Obaseki’s tenure as governor of Edo State came to an end on November 12, after serving for eight years. Prior to his departure, he alleged that the EFCC planned to arrest him soon after stepping down. However, Obaseki expressed willingness to cooperate with the agency, stating that he would submit himself to the EFCC to provide an account of his tenure.
The EFCC’s investigation into Obaseki’s administration is part of a broader effort to scrutinize the financial dealings of former governors. The agency has already arrested five Edo government officials who served under Obaseki, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu. The arrests were made in connection with suspicious withdrawals from the state treasury.
A source within the EFCC revealed that while an investigation into Obaseki’s administration has commenced, the bulk of the transactions have not been directly linked to him. The source added that the agency is following leads and hopes to uncover substantial evidence.
“The EFCC is taking a meticulous approach to this investigation,” the source said. “We are carefully examining all transactions, including contracts awarded during Obaseki’s tenure. While we have not yet found any direct evidence linking him to wrongdoing, we will continue to follow the trail of evidence and see where it leads.”
The EFCC’s decision to place Obaseki on its watch list is a precautionary measure, as the agency typically monitors the activities of former governors to prevent any potential flight risk or destruction of evidence.
In a related development, Obaseki’s successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate Obaseki’s tenure. The committee’s findings will likely be closely watched, as they may shed further light on Obaseki’s stewardship of the state.
As the investigation into Obaseki’s administration unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the EFCC handles the case.
