The paramount ruler (Okuokpellagbe) of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Michael Sado, has reportedly been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraudulent activities.
Also arrested alongside the monarch is Engr. Patrick Omkhagbo.
It was gathered that the arrest of Sado followed a petition submitted to the Benin Zonal Office of the anti-graft agency by the Council of Village Heads (Ukhomuyo) in the area through their counsel, A. O. Osagie & Associates.
A source at the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest of Sado.
The source explained that the action was taken following the petition submitted against Sado, adding that the outcome of their interrogation would determine the next line of action.
“I can confirm the arrest of the duo, which remains a routine practice based on the petition against them. The outcome of their interrogation will determine the next step to be taken,” the source said.
Sources within the community alleged that the Council of Village Heads accused the traditional ruler of converting the entire Ukhomuyio community into his personal estate by allegedly diverting huge sums of money accruing to the community from natural resources in the area into his personal account.
The monarch was also accused of disrespecting the people and allegedly usurping the constitutional powers of the Edo State Government.
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He was further accused of breaching the subsisting Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Okpella Cement Plc (Dangote Cement) and the Ukhomunyio community, which was said to have been drawn from provisions of Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.Nigerian Current Affairs
According to the community leaders, the agreement stipulates that the host mineral-producing community, Ukhomunyio, where the mining activities of Okpella Cement Plc are carried out, is entitled to certain financial benefits.
They said: “In the said Community Development Agreement (CDA), it was clearly stated that the Host Mineral Producing Community (Ukhomunyio Community), where the mining activities of Okpella Cement Plc (Dangote Cement) are carried out, shall be entitled to certain sums of money, wherein the sum of ₦250 million be paid annually to the host community, which is Ukhomuyio.”
However, the community leaders alleged that without recourse to the existing agreement, another bank account was opened by the traditional ruler in the name of Okpella Community Development, of which he is allegedly the sole signatory.
Part of the petition reads:
“Sir, as we write you, our clients have been pleading with members and youths of Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, not to engage in any violent conduct, as the suspect is threatening that he will cause intra-communal warfare in Okpella Community if our clients escalate his alleged financial crimes.
“Insecurity is commonplace in Okpella Community, and the threats to cause intra-communal warfare should not be taken with kid gloves or as a mere hollow statement.
“We implore you to invite, arrest and prosecute the suspects and other complicit staff of Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as their activities do not only have the elements of various economic crimes but also constitute a call to anarchy and lawlessness in society.”
