Crime
EFCC Arrests Okpella Monarch Over N250M Fraud Allegations
EFCC arrests Okpella monarch for alleged N250M community fund misappropriation and related fraud in Edo State
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested HRM Michael Sado, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, alongside Patrick Omkhagbo, over alleged fraudulent activities in Benin, Edo State, on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Also read: Okpella Crisis: Ukhomuyio Concerned Citizens Reject ‘Rotational Monarchy’, Laud DSS and Edo Governor
The arrests followed a petition filed by A. O. Osagie & Associates on behalf of the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads to the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate.
The petition accused HRM Michael Sado of converting the Ukhomuniyo Community’s resources into personal accounts and breaching the Community Development Agreement between Okpella Cement Plc, a Dangote Cement subsidiary, and the host community.
The agreement, under section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, stipulates that the community is entitled to N250 million annually.
According to the council, the monarch allegedly bypassed the agreement by opening a separate bank account under the name Okpella Community Development, over which he is the sole signatory.
The council also accused him of usurping constitutional powers, disrespecting the community, and threatening intra-communal conflict should the alleged financial improprieties be pursued.
EFCC sources confirmed the arrests, describing them as routine investigative measures.
The outcome of the interrogation will guide subsequent legal actions.
Weapons, financial records, and bank documents are reportedly under review as part of the investigation.
The Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads emphasised that the alleged actions undermine lawful community governance and called for strict enforcement of accountability, warning that the behaviour of the monarch and any complicit corporate staff could escalate into broader social unrest.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to following due process, noting that arrests in response to verified petitions are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public and community interests.
Also read: Edo Commissioner Afegbua Tells Protesters to Save Energy on E-Results
The development highlights the need for robust oversight in the management of mineral-rich host communities in Nigeria.
Police dismiss officers Anthony Obodo case has been confirmed as the Rivers State Police Command dismissed three of its officers linked to the killing of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while parading the three officers before journalists in Port Harcourt.
According to the command, the officers were linked to the incident that occurred last Thursday along Ada George in Port Harcourt, where Obodo was shot dead.
A member of the team, an inspector who fled after the shooting, has been declared a deserter.
CP Adepoju stated that the three arrested officers were subjected to an orderly room trial. Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of their culpability, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court.
“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of one Anthony A. Obodo… Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved… the officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court,” Adepoju said.
The commissioner noted that he understood the concerns of Obodo’s family and members of the public, adding that the Command has taken appropriate disciplinary action against the police personnel involved.
Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who was reportedly awaiting his NYSC call-up letter, was shot during a police pursuit.
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