The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Michael Sado, and Patrick Omokhagbo over alleged fraudulent activities.
The invitation, issued by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency, followed a petition submitted by the Ukhomuyo Council of Village Heads through their legal representatives, A. O. Osagie & Associates.
The petitioners accused the traditional ruler of allegedly converting the entire Ukhomuyio community into his personal estate by collecting funds meant for the community from natural resources in the area into a personal account.
They also alleged that the monarch had shown disregard for the people and usurped powers belonging to the Edo State Government.
The petition further claimed that the traditional ruler breached the existing Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Okpella Cement Plc, a subsidiary of Dangote Cement, and the Ukhumuniyo Community.
According to them, the agreement was drawn from the provisions of Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.
They said:
“In the said Community Development Agreement (CDA), it was clearly stated that the Host Mineral Producing Community (Ukhumuniyo Community) where the mining activities of Okpella Cement Plc (Dangote Cement) are carried out shall be entitled to certain sums of monies, wherein the sum of N250,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only) be paid annually to the Host Community, which is Ukhomuyio.”
The petitioners, however, alleged that without reference to the subsisting agreement, another bank account was opened in the name of Okpella Community Development, with the traditional ruler allegedly acting as the sole signatory.
They further stated:
“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 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 the Dangote Cement Plc, 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.”
