The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed the interim decision in the case of Willie Obiano, the former governor of Anambra.
Justice Hyeladzira A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court’s Awka Division granted Obiano permission to go overseas in an ex parte ruling.
On the basis of a fair hearing, Nganjiwa declared the ex-governor might fly to the United States of America for his medical visit.
LATEST: EFCC Ordered To Release Obiano’s Passport By High Court
During his term from 2014 to 2022, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) leader is being investigated for suspected corruption and money laundering.
Obiano was apprehended on March 17, 2022, when he sought to flee Nigeria after handing over Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
The EFCC accused him of attempting to arm-twist the commission with the ex parte order in a statement released on Saturday.
Court papers show Obiano filed a motion ex parte dated March 10, 2022 before Justice Nganjiwa on March 11, 2022, according to the spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren.
He asked for a temporary injunction to prohibit the EFCC from detaining him or barring him from traveling overseas for medical treatment, among other things.
JUST IN: EFCC Releases Willie Obiano, Wife
While the court requested the petitioner to notify the EFCC of why the injunction should not be granted, it also directed the EFCC not to prevent Obiano from traveling overseas and postponed the case 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 said 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.
REVEALED: How Obiano Attempted To Evade Arrest Through A Court Order
The 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.
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