EFCC Releases Obiano

By Adesina Soyooye

The immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has reportedly, been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Obiano was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8.30pm, on Thursday, March 16, 2022.

He was on his way to Houston, Texas, USA, where he has a home, when he was intercepted by Operatives of the Commission, and taken to their Lagos office.

By the arrest, Obiano made history as the first former Governor to be arrested less than 24 hours after he handed over power to his successor. He made history the same day his wife, Ebelechukwu, made history as the first First Lady, to be publicly slapped after she made  a public nuisance of herself during the swearing-in ceremony of her husband’s successor.

It is not known, yet, if the former Governor spent the night in the custody of the EFCC, or if he was released Thursday night. It is, also, not known under which conditions he was released.

Unconfirmed sources, however, say he may not be allowed to proceed to the USA, as his travel documents may have been seized by the anti-graft Commission.

Obiano’s arrest was not entirely surprising, even though it was not expected this soon. Just before the Anambra State Governorship election, the EFCC had placed Obiano on its watch list, and informed the Nigeria Immigration Services, accordingly.

Both Obiano and the Anambra State Government under him, had protested the EFCC action then, arguing that it amounted to an intimidation, especially, as Obiano still had immunity, and about four months in office. He had said he was not afraid of the EFCC.

However, not a few people have expressed surprise that Obiano chose to leave the country for Houston  the same day he handed over power to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo.

A couple of weeks back, Obiano had said he was not interested in seeking any political office after his Governorship. He said he wanted to take a rest, but had let it be known that his wife, Ebelechukwu Obiano, would be the next Senator, Anambra North.