Obanikoro Released From EFCC Custody

Embattled former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Musiliu Obanikoro

According to The Punch, Obanikoro was released at about 5pm on Friday, and immediately left for his residence.

Obanikoro was detained on October 17 after returning from the US to turn himself in. He was charged by EFCC on fraud allegations.

According to Premium Times, Obanikoro paid N100 million to the commission out of the over N800 million of public funds he was accused of spending.

His lawyer, Mr. Onoja was reported to have said his passports were confiscated but would be returned anytime they are requested for.

Well, we have presented all the guarantors and perfected his bail conditions, so the passports seizure shouldn’t be a big deal,” Mr. Onoja said. “If he intends to travel, he will apply for it and they will return them back to him”.

Mr. Obanikoro was joined in the custody by other officials of the past administration.

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, is still being detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft office, as well as former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, and a former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed. They also face allegations of financial crimes.