Obiano Allegedly Arrested for Diversion of LGA Funds

Indications have emerged that the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Sir Willie Obiano was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged diversion of public funds meant for Local Government Councils.

A source that spoke with our correspondent said Obiano is being accused of “pocketing” allocations meant for Local Government Councils in Anambra. Adding that the ex-governor is also indicted for allegedly purchasing 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.

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Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the commission, Wilson Uwujiaren, on Friday confirmed to news men in Lagos that the former governor has been on the watchlist of the agency for months. Adding that his immunity as a governor prevented his arrest until he handed over to his successor.

He further stated that Obiano has been moved to Abuja after he was arrested in Lagos on Thursday night, The Trumpet gathered.

“The ex-governor was arrested in Lagos, but was moved to Abuja this morning (Friday),” Uwujiaren said.

The commission arrested Obiano at about 8.30 p.m., on Thursday, at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on his way to Houston, Texas, United States, after handing over to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo.

Uwujiaren said the commission had requested the Nigeria Immigration Service to provide information on the former governor’s movement out of the country from airports, or other points of exit from the country.

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