The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested the traditional ruler of Okpella, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Oba Michael Sado, and Patrick Omkhagbo.
Oba Sado, is reportedly being interrogated at the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
The arrest of the monarch followed a petition to the anti-graft agency by the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads in the area through their counsel A. O. Osagie & Associates.
In the petition, Oba Sado was accused of diverting huge sums belonging to the community from the natural resources in the area into his account.
They accused him of disrespecting the people and usurping the constitutional powers of the state government.
Other allegations were that the Okpella king breached the subsisting Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Okpella Cement Plc. (Dangote Cement) and Ukhumuniyo Community as contained in Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.
They said Oba Sado opened another account where community development funds were paid into.
According to the petition: “In the said Community Development Agreement (CDA), it was clearly stated that the Host Mineral Producing Community (Ukhumuniyo Community) where the mining of Okpella Cement Pic (Dangote Cement) are carried out shall be entitled to certain sums of money, wherein N250 million be paid annually to the Host Community, which is Ukhomuyio.
“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 be involved in any violent conduct, as the “suspect” is threatening that he would cause intra-communal warfare in Okpella, 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 the Dangote Cement Pic, Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State as their activities does not only have the elements of various economic crimes but it is a call to anarchy and lawlessness in the society”.
