The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested HRM Michael Sado, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over the alleged diversion of ₦250 million in community funds.
The monarch was arrested on March 11, 2026, alongside an engineer. The monarch is accused of diverting ₦250 million paid annually to the host community by Dangote Cement (Okpella Cement Plc) as part of a Community Development Agreement (CDA).
Petitioners allege he opened a bank account named “Okpella Community Development,” where he is the sole signatory, without the community’s approval.
He is accused of converting the Ukhomuyo community into his personal estate and usurping the constitutional powers of the Edo State government.
The petition claims the monarch threatened to cause “intra-communal warfare” if the financial allegations were escalated.
Michael Sado, a professional engineer, was installed as the Okuokpellagbe II of Okpella in May 2025 following the deposition of the previous ruler, Lukman Akemokhue. His selection was initially controversial and faced protests from segments of the community who favored other candidates.
