Edo traditional ruler arrested over alleged fraudulent activities
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, HRM, Michael Sado and one Patrick Omkhagbo over alleged fraudulent activities. Daily Trust reports that the arrest followed a petition to the Benin Zonal office of the commission by the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads in […]
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, HRM, Michael Sado and one Patrick Omkhagbo over alleged fraudulent activities.
Daily Trust reports that the arrest followed a petition to the Benin Zonal office of the commission by the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads in the area through their counsel, A. O. Osagie & Associates.
The Council of Village Heads had petitioned the EFCC, alledging that the traditional ruler had converted the entire Ukhomuyio community into his personal estate by allegedly collecting huge sums due to the community from the natural resources in the area into his personal account.
They also alleged that he breached the subsisting Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Okpella Cement Plc. (Dangote Cement) and Ukhumuniyo Community.
They said the agreement was drawn from provisions of section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.
They added that without recourse to the subsisting agreement, another bank account was opened by the traditional ruler with the name of Okpella Community Development, and he is allegedly the sole signatory to it.
The council urged the EFCC to invite, arrest and prosecute the suspects and other complicit staff of the Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella, allegedly involved in the fraudulent activities.
A source in the Benin Zonal office of the EFCC, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the arrest.
While he said their arrest was a routine practice based on the petition against them, he added that the outcome of their interrogation would determine the next step to be taken.