The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella Michael Sado and a suspect identified as Patrick Omkhagbo over alleged financial misconduct involving community funds in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The monarch who serves as the traditional ruler of Okpella was reportedly arrested following a petition submitted to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the anti corruption agency by the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads through their legal representatives A O Osagie and Associates.
According to the petition the traditional ruler allegedly converted the Ukhomuyio community into his personal estate by collecting large sums of money meant for the community from natural resources in the area and depositing the funds into his personal bank account.
The community leaders also accused the monarch of disrespecting the people and attempting to usurp constitutional powers belonging to the Edo State Government.
In addition the petition alleged that the traditional ruler breached an existing Community Development Agreement between Okpella Cement Plc owned by Dangote Cement and the Ukhomuyio host community.
The agreement which is based on provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 states that the host mineral producing community where mining activities take place is entitled to annual financial benefits from the company.
Under the terms of the agreement the Ukhomuyio community is expected to receive two hundred and fifty million naira annually from the cement company operating in the area.
However the petitioners claimed that the monarch allegedly opened another bank account under the name Okpella Community Development and made himself the sole signatory to the account without consulting the community or following the elished agreement.
The village heads further warned that the situation could escalate tensions in the community. They alleged that the suspect had threatened to cause internal communal conflict if the allegations were escalated to authorities.
They also expressed concerns about the security situation in the community and urged the anti corruption agency to thoroughly investigate the matter.
The petitioners called on the EFCC to invite arrest and prosecute all individuals allegedly involved in the financial misconduct including any staff members of Dangote Cement who may have played a role in the alleged diversion of community funds.
The anti corruption agency is expected to continue investigations into the allegations to determine the extent of the alleged financial crimes and ensure accountability.
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