THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has freed former Anambra State governor, Dr Willie Obiano, and his wife, Ebelechukwu.
The former governor was arrested by operatives of the anti-graft agency at about 8:30 p.m. at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while on their way to the US.
A person close to Obiano confirmed he had been released and would continue his journey to the US.
“The EFCC freed Obiano and his wife only two hours after they were arrested at the airport. They missed their trip and will be flying to Houston (US) under different arrangements,” the source said.
It was earlier reported that the EFCC on Thursday arrested Obiano, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
It was learnt that Obiano, who had been on the watch list of the EFCC, was arrested while trying to board a flight to the United States.
Recall that the commission had in a letter to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service dated November 15, 2021, asked the service to place Obiano on a watch list and inform it anytime he is travelling out of the country from any of the international airports and other points of entry and exit.
The state Commissioner for Information, Don Adinuba, had, however, dared the EFCC, insisting that his boss would return to the US – his original base – after leaving office.
However, barely hours after handing over to his successor, Prof. Charles Soludo, it was learnt that Obiano made his way to Lagos after which he proceeded to the international airport.
On sighting him at 8.30 pm, immigration officers were said to have alerted the EFCC who immediately arrested him and took him to their office.
When contacted on the telephone, the spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the former governor’s arrest, promising to provide more details later.
“It is true. He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport around 8.30pm,” said Uwujaren.
It was gathered that Obiano was arrested for allegedly mismanaging over N17bn Paris Club refund and security vote.
