By Emmanuel Nduka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been compiling reports of alleged mismanagement of public funds by the immediate past Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Mr. Primus Odili and could pick him up anytime soon.
Mr. Odili who was said to have disappeared from the public since his principal handed over power, is reportedly eyeing a Senatorial ambition in the state.
This was revealed by impeccable sources in the Commission who pleaded anonimity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter.
According to the EFCC’s sources, based on reports and documents obtained from government house Awka, office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), bank details and witnesses’ accounts, Mr. Odili has a big case to answer.
The sources said the sins of Mr Odili include extortion at Onitsha Bridge Head Market where he was said to have forceful obtained N25 million from drug traders monthly from each line, thirty five lines each for six years.
It was also alleged that he closed shops of traders using imposed caretaker leadership if any market line refused to pay and when the line paid eventually, he would add N5 million fine for failing to pay on time.
Mr Odili, it was alleged, diverted COVID 19 cheques donated by individuals and private sectors to the tune of N11,7 billion and converted to foreign accounts for personal use.
He was alleged to have purchased properties abroad under the guise of foreign business trips for Anambra State government to the tune of $350 million.
He allegedly collected ten percent kick back from construction firms in Anambra running into N 5.8 billion.
He is also accused of collecting monthly returns from political appointees and Transition Committee members of the twenty-one local government areas for seven years.
He was alleged to have also diverted budget allocations for Government Hours and Governor’s Lodge for five years.
The Commission’s finding was said to be very shocking, especially how the man missused his sensitive position to carry out certain financial transactions which undermined public interest.
It was also revealed that the negligence, carelessness and questionable activities of Mr. Odili as the Chief of Staff undermined his principal’s administion.
The anticorruption agency, according to the sources, had therefore claimed that this was why Mr. Odili disappeared and abandoned his principal when he (Obiano) was arrested.
