The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has kick-started the investigation of 18 suspended local government chairmen in Edo State over alleged financial impropriety.
Thegazellenews.com gathered that a letter inviting the embattled 18 chairmen for questioning was signed by Abdulkarim Chukkol, Director of Investigation.
The letter was sent through ACE II Dare Folarin at the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
The letter dated 17 December, 2024, was addressed to the Secretary to the State Government and copied to the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the letter, the chairman of Akoko- Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West are to report to the commission on December 19, 2024.
Other chairmen like Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode Local Government are to Councils report on Friday, December 20, 2024.
The Chairmen are requested to come along with the Certified True Copies of comprehensive documentation relating to Staff Strength and Payroll.
Also required from the suspended council chairmen are details of accounts where funds are received for payment of staff salaries.
Others are details of accounts where funds are reserved for staff salaries exigencies, the statement of account of the above I & Il from January 1, 2024, to date, and any other information that will assist the investigation.
According to Chukkol, the request was made under Sections 38(1) &(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.
