EFCC arrests Okpella monarch over alleged diversion of N250m community funds

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, HRM Michael Sado, over alleged financial misconduct involving community funds in Okpella.

The monarch was reportedly arrested alongside an engineer, Patrick Omkhagbo, following a petition submitted to the anti-graft agency by the Ukhomuniyo Council of Village Heads through their legal representatives, Osagie Osagie & Associates.

In the petition, the village heads accused the traditional ruler of allegedly converting the entire Ukhomuniyo community into his personal estate and diverting funds meant for the development of the host community.

They further alleged that large sums paid by **Dangote Cement through its Okpella Cement Plc operations as benefits to the host community were paid into a personal account controlled by the monarch.

According to the petitioners, the payments were part of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) between the company and the Ukhomuniyo community, which was executed in line with Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.

The agreement reportedly provides that the host community where the mining activities of Okpella Cement Plc are carried out is entitled to an annual payment of N250 million.

However, the village heads alleged that the monarch opened another bank account under the name “Okpella Community Development,” where he allegedly serves as the sole signatory, without the knowledge or approval of the community leadership.

They also accused him of breaching the subsisting Community Development Agreement and usurping constitutional powers vested in the Edo State Government

The petitioners further alleged that the traditional ruler has issued threats capable of triggering communal unrest in the area if the matter is pursued.

“Our clients have been pleading with members and youths of Ukhomuniyo community not to resort to violence, as the suspect has threatened to cause intra-communal warfare in Okpella if the alleged financial crimes are escalated,” the petition stated.

The council of village heads warned that insecurity has already become prevalent in the community and urged authorities not to treat the alleged threats lightly.