Nigeria: Corruption Allegation - Edo Assembly Inaugurates Panel to Probe Ex-Speaker

What the report says

The Edo State House of Assembly has inaugurated a five-member ad hoc committee to investigate allegations against its immediate past speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, over claims of corruption and inflated procurement costs. According to the report carried by Premium Times from the News Agency of Nigeria, the probe is focused on purchases of official vehicles, including Lexus SUVs and Hilux trucks, during Agbebaku’s tenure.

Bright Iyamu, who chairs the committee, said in Benin that the panel would operate transparently, fairly and without personal bias. He described the inquiry as a normal part of democratic oversight rather than a vendetta against the former speaker. Iyamu, who represents Orhionmwon South State Constituency, said the committee would work through the issues methodically and make its findings public.

He said the panel would begin with the Assembly’s finances, especially whether vehicle purchases followed due process. The committee has been given two weeks to report back. The investigation comes after a period of internal tension in the House, where allegations of financial wrongdoing surfaced during plenary, leading to Agbebaku’s resignation and suspension, followed by the election of Yekini Idaiye as the new speaker.

The case matters because it highlights continued scrutiny of public spending and legislative accountability in Edo State. It also reflects broader concerns in Nigeria about procurement transparency, particularly where government-owned vehicles and other high-value purchases are involved.