EFCC Places Former Governor Obaseki on Watch List, Probes Edo Contracts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on its watch list and initiated a probe into contracts and financial transactions carried out during his tenure.

Obaseki, who completed his eight-year tenure on November 12, had previously claimed that the anti-graft agency was planning to arrest him shortly after he left office. In a separate development, his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to review the former administration’s activities.

EFCC Probes Contracts and Transactions

The EFCC has also arrested five former Edo government officials, including Accountant General Julius Anelu, over allegations of substantial withdrawals from the state treasury within a short period. These arrests occurred on November 2 as part of the commission’s broader investigation into the financial dealings of the Obaseki administration.

A source within the EFCC revealed that investigators are focusing on transactions, particularly contracts awarded during Obaseki’s administration. “An investigation has commenced on his administration. He can’t just be invited until the work has got to a certain stage,” the source said.

The source added, “Some team of crack investigators have been assigned to the case and have been trying to unravel some of the transactions including contracts awarded under his administration. The bulk of the transactions, you can’t trace it to him. He made use of others. There have been leads which we have been following, and we hope to get something substantial.”

Obaseki’s Response

Despite the probe, Obaseki has expressed confidence in his ability to account for his tenure. Speaking on November 8, the former governor stated, “I am not scared of a probe by the EFCC.” He also declared his willingness to cooperate with the agency if summoned.

All Former Governors on Watch List

In response to inquiries about Obaseki being placed on the EFCC’s watch list, another source explained that the practice is standard for all former governors. The source stated, “All former governors are always on the commission’s watch list, whether the commission has something with the fellow or not. We are not going to allow them to jet out of the country and then start going after them when we need them. So that is why we always place all of them on our watch list.”

Official Comments Pending

Efforts to reach EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, for an official statement were unsuccessful as calls to his line went unanswered, and he had not responded to a text message at the time of this report.

The investigation into Obaseki’s administration continues, with the EFCC working to uncover evidence linking the former governor to alleged irregularities.