Obiano released from EFCC custody after meeting stringent bail conditions set for him

FORMER Anambra State governor Chief Willie Obiano has finally left the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) almost a week after being arrested with the lapsing of his immunity following the end of his tenure.

Chief Obiano, who is under investigation over a N42bn fraud case, has been in the EFCC custody since Thursday Match 17 when he was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos State. He was attempting to leave Nigeria for the US, just hours after handing over to his successor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

His lawyers have since asked for bail, which the EFCC agreed to but it has taken about a week for Chief Obiano to fulfil the conditions. He was released last night after meeting the administrative bail conditions, one of which he was to produce two sureties, who must be directors on grade level 17 in the federal civil service.

Another condition that Chief Obiano had to meet was that he produce two senior citizens, who must be landlords in Maitama, Asokoro or the Wuse districts of Abuja. In addition to this Chief Obiano's travel documents have also been withheld to stop him from fleeing the country until investigation over his tenure is completed.

The EGFF wants the former governor to shed more light on N42bn worth of public funds he spent during his tenure. Chief Obiano may be charged to court for money laundering and breach of public trust before being able to leave the country again.