The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on its watch list as it investigates transactions and contracts awarded during his tenure.
Obaseki, who completed his eight-year term on November 12, previously alleged that the EFCC planned to arrest him after he left office. His successor, Monday Okpebholo, has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to review his administration.
On November 2, the EFCC arrested five officials from Obaseki’s administration, including the state’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu, over allegations of significant withdrawals from the treasury.
Despite these developments, Obaseki stated on November 8 that he is not afraid of an EFCC probe and is willing to cooperate with the agency.
Sources within the EFCC revealed to PUNCH that investigators are scrutinising transactions and contracts linked to Obaseki’s administration, although no direct connection to the former governor has been established so far.
The source said, “An investigation has commenced on his administration. He can’t just be invited until the work has got to a certain stage. 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.”
Another EFCC insider confirmed that Obaseki, like all former governors, is on the agency’s watch list to prevent unauthorised international travel.
The newspaper said attempts to reach Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
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