The Nigeria Police Force has launched a full-scale investigation into alleged large-scale financial misconduct in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, with the Acting Chairman, Mr Sunday Akiotu, at the centre of claims of diversion of over N100 million in public funds.
The probe is being conducted by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, following a petition by a civil society group, Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative, which accused the council leadership of criminal conspiracy, procurement fraud, money laundering and abuse of office.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the PSFU has invited Akiotu to appear before the Commissioner of Police on March 25, 2026, for questioning over the allegations. The police described the invitation as part of a fact-finding process to clarify issues raised in the petition.
Two senior officials of the council — the Director of Administration and General Services, Mr Ahonsi Charles, and the Head of Budget, Planning and Statistics, Mr Otaru Gospel — have already been questioned by investigators on March 17, 2026.
Sources within the police disclosed that the case is being handled by the Stock and Capital Market Fraud Section, indicating the financial complexity of the alleged infractions.
According to the petition, more than N100 million belonging to the council — drawn from statutory allocations and internally generated revenue — was allegedly siphoned through private accounts and entities without due process or transparency.
The petition further alleged that the funds were routed through two private companies, EXPESON Logistics and Filmanson Nigeria Limited, which reportedly have no verifiable track record of executing legitimate contracts for the local government.
The companies are allegedly linked to individuals associated with the council leadership.
The civil society group also claimed that the Director of Finance, Mr Obiefi Kehinde Andrew, was subjected to pressure and intimidation to facilitate the transactions, allegedly forcing him to issue cheques to the said companies despite the absence of valid contractual agreements.
The petitioners argued that the development points to a breakdown of internal financial controls within the council and urged the police to scrutinise bank records, investigate the companies involved, and recover any diverted funds.
They also called for the prosecution of all persons found culpable, citing alleged violations of laws relating to criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, procurement fraud and money laundering.
The petition raised additional concerns about the process through which Akiotu assumed office, alleging that he was elevated from Acting Councillor to Speaker of the Legislative Arm and then to Acting Chairman within minutes on September 22, 2025, in what was described as a breach of democratic procedures.
As of press time, Akiotu and other officials mentioned in the allegations have yet to publicly respond to the claims or the police invitation.
The investigation is ongoing.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
