EFCC releases Willie Obiano after a week, withholds passport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, from its custody.

Obiano was arrested on his way to the United States at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, hours after handing over to his successor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on Thursday.

The anti-graft agency granted the former governor administrative bail on Wednesday, while waiting for him to fulfil his bail conditions.

As part of his bail condition, the EFCC also withheld his passport.

Obiano was in custody of the EFCC for a week over the alleged misappropriation of N42 billion belonging to Anambra State.

“Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote which was withdrawn in cash. Part of the funds was also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state,” Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said after the former governor’s arrest.

Read also: Obiano left billions of debt with ₦300m balance in Anambra – Governor Soludo laments

While in custody, a leaked video of Willie Obiano in shorts drinking water while seated made rounds on the Internet which received immediate condemnation from different quarters.

The EFCC said it had identified its operative who made and published the video and sanctioned them.