EFCC frees Obiano, seizes passports

The former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has finally left the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seven days after he was arrested by the commission.

However, the anti-graft agency did not completely let him off the hook as the commission seized his travelling documents apparently to stop him from fleeing the country as investigation is said to be ongoing over his tenure.

RELIABLESOURCENG.COM reports that Obiano was apprehended by the EFCC last week Thursday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while trying to board a flight to Houston, Texas, United States of America.

He had earlier same day handed over the governorship of Anambra State to his successor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, at the Government House, Awka, state capital.

An informed source confirmed that Obiano was released on Wednesday night after meeting the administrative bail conditions earlier granted by the EFCC.

READ: Why ex-Gov Obiano was arrested by EFCC

The conditions, according to our source, include producing two sureties, who must be directors on grade level 17 in the Federal Civil service.

Another is for the former governor to produce two senior citizens, who must be owners of properties in the choice location of Maitama, Asokoro or Wuse district in Abuja.

These conditions were considered “very stringent” and accounted for the reason Obiano remained in detention for one week, even after the EFCC had granted him bail much earlier.

“I don’t know how many civil servants on that level with landed properties in such prime locations would want to stick out their necks for him, in a matter that concerns the EFCC,” the source who spoke to us said.

The agency claims it is investigating how Obiano spent N42 billion public fund, during his time as governor.