The Nigeria Police Force has invited the Acting Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, Sunday Akiotu, for questioning over alleged financial misconduct involving more than N100 million in council funds.
The invitation was issued by the Police Special Fraud Unit in Lagos following a petition by the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative, which raised concerns about several transactions linked to the council’s finances.
According to documents obtained, Akiotu is scheduled to appear before the Commissioner of Police at the unit’s headquarters in Ikoyi on March 25, 2026, to respond to the allegations outlined in the petition.
As part of the ongoing investigation being handled by the unit’s Stock and Capital Market Fraud Section, two council officials, Ahonsi Charles and Otaru Gospel, have already been questioned.
The petition alleges that funds belonging to the local government, including statutory allocations and internally generated revenue, were moved through channels that require further scrutiny, with the total amount involved estimated at over N100 million.
It also cited transactions involving EXPESON Logistics and Filmanson Nigeria Limited, calling on investigators to determine the legitimacy of their engagements with the council and whether due process was followed.
Additionally, the petition raised concerns about internal administrative practices within the council, including claims that finance officials were pressured in the processing of certain payments, although these allegations have not been independently verified.
Questions were also raised about the process through which Akiotu assumed office as Acting Chairman, with the petitioners calling for a review in line with relevant laws and procedures.
The petitioners urged authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation, including an examination of financial records and transactions, and to take necessary action based on the outcome.
As of the time this report was filed, Akiotu and the other officials mentioned had yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
