The outgoing governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has been placed on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) watchlist. This precedes the change of government in the state on March 16, 2022.
In a letter to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service dated November 15, 2021, the commission asked the service to place the governor on the watchlist and to inform the commission whenever he will be leaving the country through any of the international airports and other points of entry and exit. It is not known why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission put the governor under surveillance, but sources said the move indicates that the agency may have quietly investigated Obiano before now and possibly have information that he has the intention of leaving the country after the hand-over to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo.
In Nigeria, governors enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution while in office. It was also noted that Obiano is one of several governors under investigation for corruption and money laundering.
