By Divine Sam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into 18 suspended local government chairmen in Edo State over allegations of financial misconduct. According to reports from DAILY POST, a formal letter inviting the affected chairmen for questioning was issued by Abdulkarim Chukkol, the EFCC Director of Investigation.
The letter, dated December 17, 2024, was sent to the Secretary to the State Government and was also copied to the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The investigation is focused on examining financial records, particularly around the payment of staff salaries.
The chairmen involved represent various local governments across Edo State. Specifically, those from Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West are scheduled to report to the EFCC on December 19, 2024. Meanwhile, chairmen from Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode are required to report by December 20, 2024.
The chairmen have been asked to bring along several documents to aid the investigation, including certified true copies of comprehensive staff strength and payroll documentation, bank account details for the disbursement of staff salaries, and statements of account from January 1, 2024, to the present. These records are requested to help uncover any financial irregularities related to salary payments.
Abdulkarim Chukkol noted that the request for the documents was made under Sections 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act of 2004.
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