EFCC Investigates Edo Contracts, Places Obaseki On Watchlist

Godwin Obaseki

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are currently investigating the financial activities of the immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, placing him under scrutiny.

The anti-corruption agency is reportedly examining contracts and transactions executed during Obaseki’s eight-year tenure as governor.

Obaseki, who completed his term on November 12, had previously claimed that the EFCC planned to arrest him immediately after leaving office.

Meanwhile, Edo State’s new governor, Monday Okpebholo, has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to review Obaseki’s administration.

On November 2, the EFCC detained five senior officials from Obaseki’s government, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, over significant withdrawals from the state treasury within a short period.

Despite these developments, Obaseki has maintained his readiness to cooperate with the investigation, stating on November 8 that he is unafraid of the EFCC’s probe and is prepared to account for his tenure.

However, EFCC sources, speaking anonymously to The PUNCH, revealed that while investigations are ongoing, no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing has been found against the former governor.

“An investigation into his administration has started, but he won’t be invited until we reach an advanced stage. So far, many transactions are not directly tied to him, as he delegated responsibilities to others. Our team is pursuing leads on contracts and other transactions under his tenure,” a source explained.

Another source revealed that Obaseki, like all former governors, is automatically placed on the EFCC’s watch list to ensure they remain within reach during investigations.

“All former governors are monitored by the EFCC, regardless of active investigations. This prevents them from leaving the country while cases are ongoing,” the source added.