Why EFCC Arrested Ex-Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano in Lagos on Thursday.

He was picked up hours after leaving the seat of power, handing over to successor Governor Charles Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor.

Obiano was cornered around 8:30 p.m. at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) as he headed to Houston, Texas in the United States.

EFCC confirmed he had been on a watch list but protected under the immunity clause. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) assisted in his interception.

By Friday morning, March 18, 2022, the anti-graft agency moved Obiano to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

It was gathered that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain is in trouble for alleged funds diversion, according to Daily Post. 

Specifically, Obiano is accused of “pocketing” allocations meant for Local Government Councils (LGCs) in Anambra.

The two-term ex-helmsman is also indicted for alleged purchase of properties in “Lagos, Abuja and outside the country”.

“Of course, these acquisitions were done through proxies and associates that would be revealed in due course.

“The EFCC had sent operatives to Lagos and Abuja airports 24 hours before Obiano handed over to Soludo”, a source said.

EFCC Head of Media, Wilson Uwujaren explained that he could not provide any information for now.

“I can’t go into details at the moment until we conclude our investigation”, he said.

"It is not a secret that some state governors abuse the system. They seize control of the funds and give local government chairmen whatever amount they please.