Why ex-Gov Obiano was arrested by EFCC

Two issues may have accounted for Thursday arrest of the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A source who spoke to RELIABLESOURCENG.COM said that Obiano, who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while trying to catch a flight out of Nigeria, had been on EFCC watchlist, following allegation of mismanaging over N17 billion Paris Club refund and security vote, accruing to the state, for the period he served.

There is also the allegation of the former governor being probed over some “suspicious projects”, including the Umueri International Airport project, a legacy project of the Obiano administration.

However, the EFCC said the offence for which Obiano was arrested is still being kept under wraps because of an ongoing investigation.

The anti-graft agency had placed the former governor on its watch list since November last year.

READ: Obiano in EFCC detention, transferred to Abuja

The EFCC had in a letter to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) dated November 15, 2021, requested the Service to place Obiano on watchlist and alert the agency anytime he was travelling out of the country, via any international airport and other points of entry and exit.

Spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said Obiano’s alleged offence was not disclosed after his arrest because it was not time for the commission to do so.

He said, “We are not giving that (the offence) out at the moment. The matter is still under investigation. It is also not correct that he has been released. He is with the commission.” Uwujaren was evasive when asked when Obiano would be released, saying, “Once he is released, you will get the information.”