Recall it was earlier reported that Obiano was apprehended by the EFCC at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

In an interview with Premium Times, the former governor claimed that he was attempting to attend a medical appointment to treat a “semi fatal condition” through his lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (a Senior Advocate of Nigeria).

“He was not running away. Why will he run away when his family is here and he has a lot to do here? The fact is that he (Obiano) has a medical condition for which he had a prior appointment to see his Specialist Doctor for treatment at Spring Creek Urology Specialists LLC, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

“By the nature of his ailment, he has been undergoing treatment at the said Specialist Hospital since June 2021 and had an appointment earlier scheduled for the final stage of Specialist Radiography for eight (8) weeks – which will take place immediately upon his arrival at the Facility in Houston, Texas, U.S.A; and thereafter, after four days. Subsequent treatments are scheduled every day for eight (8) weeks.”

Ikwueto stated that Obiano has been receiving treatment at the US medical facility since mid last year every three months.

“The last time he was there was December 2021 and became due for another round of treatment this March shortly before he handed over to Soludo.”

However, the lawyer refused to disclose the nature of Obiano’s illness.

“He (Obiano) was lucky that the disease was detected on time. It was still at an early stage when he was diagnosed last year,” said a source familiar with the former governor’s medical condition. He asked not to be named because he had no permission to discuss “private and confidential matters” concerning Mr. Obiano.”