Obiano’s Passport: EFCC Reacts To Interim Court Order

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has condemned the interim order concerning former governor of Anambra state Willie Obiano.

Justice Hyeladzira A. Nganjiwa of the Awka division of the Federal High Court permitted the former governor to travel abroad.

The judge said Obiano could travel to the United States for his medical appointment on the ground of fair hearing.

Recall that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos while trying to leave the country.

The commission made a statement on Saturday saying that the former governor was trying to intimidate them with the ex parte order.

Uwujaren said court documents indicate that Obiano, on March 11, 2022 ahead of his handover, filed a motion ex parte dated March 10, 2022 before Justice Nganjiwa.

He asked for an interim injunction which would prevent the EFCC from stopping him from leaving the country.

Uwujaren noted that while the court asked the applicant to put the commission on notice on why the order should not be granted, it equally ordered the EFCC not to stop Obiano from travelling abroad and adjourned till March 23.

“On March 31, the Commission was served an originating motion on notice for the enforcement of the applicant’s fundamental rights. Curiously, the motion was filed on March 11, 2022, the same date as the motion for ex parte order.

“This was followed by another motion on notice on April 4, putting the Commission on notice to release Obiano’s passport to enable him travel abroad for his medicals with hearing fixed for April 6, and instructions that proceedings shall be conducted virtually via Zoom.”

Uwajuren noted that before the hearing the EFCC had demanded that Justice Nganjiwa recuse himself from the fundamental rights action on the basis of being a party in the commission’s appeal at the Supreme Court in the corruption case, H. A. Nganjiwa VS. FRN.

The case where Justice Nganjiwa is expected to appear was adjourned. His counsel will be notified of the court date.