By Baron Ike
Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
His lawyer confirmed his freedom from EFCC custody on Friday, November 4.
Obanikoro’s associate, Demola Olarewaju, also confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES, saying “he has been released and now resting in Abuja”.
Obanikoro was released at about 5p.m. Friday, and did not waste time to depart for his residence.
He was detained on October 17 after returning from the United States to submit himself to the EFCC on allegations of fraud.
EFCC sources reportedly said Obanikoro paid N100 million to the commission out of the over N800 million of public funds he allegedly spent.
His passports were also confiscated.
Onoja told PREMIUM TIMES that the passports would be returned to his client anytime he requests for them.
“Well, we have presented all the guarantors and perfected his bail conditions, so the passports seizure shouldn’t be a big deal. If he intends to travel, he will apply for it and they will return them back to him,” Onoja said.
Detained with Obanikoro were former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, and a former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed all of who served in the Goodluck Jonathan administration.