Most Nigerians have warned against detaining billionaire businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, aka Obi Cubana, who was arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives on Monday.
Reports say the Anambra-born club owner was taken to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Monday afternoon and interrogated by EFCC officers about alleged money laundering and tax fraud.
The report, which flooded social media on Monday night, elicited reactions from concerned Nigerians, with many taking to social media to express their concerns about the impact of the move on the November 6 governorship elections in Anambra State.
Obi Cubana made headlines and became the talk of the town in July when he hosted an ostentatious burial for his late mother in Oba, Anambra State, during which over 200 cows were reportedly slaughtered.
The extravagant display of wealth set tongues wagging, with many Nigerians wondering where he got his money. Several celebrities, businessmen and women, and politicians attended the funeral in large numbers.
The popular socialite subsequently became a role model for several Nigerian youths, including the Big Brother Naija, BBNaija 2021 winner, Whitemoney, who aspired to be successful in business like Obi Cubana.
Some Nigerians, particularly youths, who spoke with DAILY POST on Tuesday morning expressed concern that the arrest would exacerbate Anambra State’s already deteriorating security situation.
Adeyemo Michael, a popular Abuja radio personality known as Mr Microphone, told our correspondent that Obi Cubana’s arrest comes at a difficult time in his home country.
“This is definitely not the right time for this drama,” he said. We all know how popular the businessman is in Anambra State, where he has millions of supporters in the Southeast.
Another respondent, Ifeanyi, a spare parts trader in the nation’s capital said that the federal government has only exacerbated the Southeast’s problems.
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He bemoaned the fact that, despite calls for President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the government had arrested yet another popular and influential citizen of the region.
Meanwhile, Adejor Kenneth, a social media influencer, told our correspondent in a chat that Obi Cubana must be closely monitored, emphasizing that his sources of wealth are unknown.
Cubana’s ties to the embattled Inspector-Intelligence General’s Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari, who was recently suspended for alleged corruption, should be investigated, according to him.
“Abba Kyari was spending money at Obi Cubana’s mother’s funeral,” and they’re both in trouble now. He should be thoroughly investigated “Adejor added.
