By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has kicked against the interim order regarding former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano’s right to travel abroad.

Justice Hyeladzira A. Nganjiwa of the Awka Division of the Federal High Court had in an ex parte Ruling permitted Obiano to travel abroad.

The Judge said the former governor could travel to America for his medical appointment on the grounds of fair hearing.

Obiano was arrested on March 17, 2022, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos while on his way to the US after handing over to Governor Chukwuma Soludo earlier in the day. He is being investigated for alleged corruption and money laundering during his eight-year tenure from 2014 to 2022.

A statement by EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, on Saturday accused Justice Nwanjiwa of attempting to arm-twist the commission with the ex parte order.

According to him, 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 said: “Among others, he prayed for an interim injunction stopping the EFCC from arresting or preventing him from travelling abroad for his medical treatment.

“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.”

Uwujaren noted that before the hearing, the EFCC petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court asking that Justice Nganjiwa recuse himself from the fundamental rights action because he is a party in the commission’s appeal at the Supreme Court in the corruption case, H. A. Nganjiwa VS. FRN.

The EFCC Spokesman added that when the case was called, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba held the brief of his brother judge, who is bereaved.

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

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