EFCC releases ex-Oba of Benin’s aide, accused of landgrabbing, on bail

By Isaac Olamikan

Roland Ekhoe Ogbebor, the former Odionwere Omuada of the Benin Palace, who was earlier arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on series of petitions against him on landgrabbing matters has gotten a reprieve as he has been released on bail by the anti-graft agency.

Roland, who was relieved of his duties in the Palace since November 2018, allegedly had petitions piled up against him on involvement in high profile landgrabbing matters among several other infractions.

Nigerian NewsDirect gathered that at a stage some aggrieved people, most especially in the diaspora, were issuing statements on social media accusing some chiefs of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) of conniving with Roland in his several deals.

To ensure due diligence and a thorough investigation into all the  allegations against Roland, the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare11, N’Ogidigan, has directed that he should be suspended from the Palace.

In an announcement, Frank Irabor, Secretary of the BTC stated: “This is to inform the general public that recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Police opened investigations on petitions written against Roland Ekhoe Ogbebor, former Odionwere Omuada who was discharged in November, 2018.

“In order to allow unhindered investigations by the EFCC and the Police, His Royal Majesty, Qmo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare Il, Oba of Benin has directed the immediate suspension of Roland Ekhoe Ogbebor from the Palace.”

Responding to inquiries from our Correspondent in a telephone conversation, Wilson Uwujaren, Head Media and Publicity, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said that the Commission has released Roland Ogbebor on bail.