EFCC Seals Off House Linked To Obiano In Awka

Willie Obiano

A house linked to the former Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano at Ngozika Estate in Awka has been sealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  amid investigation of money laundering allegations against him.

The agency placed a notice, which reads: ‘EFCC, Keep Off. Under Investigation’ on the wall of a building traced to Obiano, a development that followed his release after six days in the commission’s custody, reports The Guardian.

The EFCC also seized Obiano’s passport following his arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on his way to Houston, United States of America, shortly after handing over to his successor Prof. Charles Soludo on March 17.

Part of the conditions for the administrative bail granted the former governor included provision of two directors of the Federal Civil Service, who must have landed property in Maitama or Wuse areas of Abuja and a senator as sureties.

It was learnt that Senator Stella Oduah (Anambra North) was approached to stand surety for the governor ahead of his release.

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for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote which was withdrawn in cash.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.

While the former governor was in the custody of the EFCC, a 12-second video of him was leaked. In the video, he was dressed in shorts and a white shirt, drinking water from a bottle as an unknown mam spoke to him.

The EFCC said it had identified the agent responsible for the act and would subject same to appropriate disciplinary action.