By The9JaTREND
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) of the Edo State Police Command, has invited Sunday Akiotun, Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, and three senior council officials over allegations of illegal financial transfers, misappropriation of public funds and related offences.
Akiotu, who also serves as chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the State, is under investigation alongside the Director of Finance, Ohiafi Kehinde Andrew; the Head of Department, Budget, Planning and Statistics, Otairu Gospel; and the Director of Administration and General Services, Ahonsi Charles.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the investigations curtail from a series of petitions submitted by concerned civil society organizations, which raised serious concerns over suspected irregular financial transactions allegedly carried out in breach of established public finance laws and regulations.
Sources familiar with the matter allege that the case has taken a political dimension, claiming that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Emperor Jarret Tenebe are shielding the acting chairman from police scrutiny.
According to the sources, despite being invited by the PSFU, Akiotu has yet to respond to the invitation.
One of the sources said: “There is a fraud case from one of the local governments in Edo State. The governor and the party chairman are protecting Akiotu from police investigation. The police have invited him but he has refused to show up.
Initial investigations are said to be focusing on multiple transactions reportedly traced from the local government treasury into personal accounts allegedly linked to the Acting Chairman and certain associates.
According to sources, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the alleged infractions and whether additional individuals or networks may be implicated.
The PSFU, a specialized unit of the Nigeria Police Force responsible for investigating complex financial crimes and abuse of office, has reportedly assured that the investigation will be thorough, professional, and guided strictly by the rule of law.
While no formal charges have been filed at this stage, officials confirm that the investigation is ongoing and that further actions will be taken based on the outcome of findings.
The petitioners allege criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, procurement fraud, money laundering, abuse of office and stealing of local government funds in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State against Akiotu.
Central to the investigation are allegations that Etsako East Local Government funds were systematically siphoned through private accounts and entities in transactions allegedly carried out without transparency or due process.
The petitioners estimate that the total sum involved exceeds N100 million, encompassing both statutory allocations and the council’s internally generated revenue.
They further claim that the funds were funneled through two private companies, EXPESON Logistics and Filmanson Nigeria Limited, which reportedly have no verifiable record of executing legitimate contracts for the local government.
Source: SaharaReporters