The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) has invited the Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, Sunday Akiotu, along with three senior council officials over allegations of financial misconduct.
Akiotu—who also serves as chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Edo State—is being investigated alongside the Director of Finance, Ohiafi Kehinde Andrew; Head of Budget, Planning and Statistics, Otairu Gospel; and Director of Administration and General Services, Ahonsi Charles.
According to sources, the probe follows multiple petitions filed by civil society groups, raising concerns about alleged illegal financial transfers and breaches of public finance regulations.
The case has reportedly taken on political undertones, with claims that Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Emperor Jarret Tenebe of the All Progressives Congress are shielding Akiotu from investigation—an allegation yet to be officially confirmed.
Sources further allege that despite the police invitation, Akiotu has not responded.
Preliminary findings are said to centre on multiple transactions allegedly traced from the local government treasury into private accounts linked to the chairman and his associates.
Investigators are working to establish the full scope of the suspected infractions and determine whether more individuals or networks are involved.
The PSFU, a specialised arm of the Nigeria Police Force tasked with handling complex financial crimes, has assured that the investigation will be conducted professionally and in line with due process.
Although no formal charges have been filed, authorities confirmed that the inquiry is ongoing and further action will depend on the outcome.
Petitioners accuse Akiotu of offences including conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, procurement fraud, money laundering, abuse of office, and diversion of council resources in Etsako East LGA.
At the centre of the allegations is the claim that over ₦100 million—comprising statutory allocations and internally generated revenue—was siphoned through private accounts and entities without due process.
The funds were reportedly channelled through two companies, EXPESON Logistics and Filmanson Nigeria Limited, which petitioners claim lack verifiable records of executing legitimate contracts for the council.