Remi Tinubu Reportedly Stops EFCC From Arresting Obasa

Remi Tinubu shields Obasa from EFCC arrest over fraud probe.
First Lady sees him as vital to APC’s 2027 election plans.
Obasa denies corruption, calls impeachment politically motivated.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has reportedly intervened to prevent the arrest and prosecution of impeached Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over a multibillion-naira fraud probe, sources within the presidency have revealed.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to reports from The Gazette, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were prepared to move against Obasa upon his return to Nigeria. However, sources disclosed that Mrs. Tinubu instructed that he should not be arrested or prosecuted for now, citing the need to maintain political stability within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

A presidency official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the directive: “She said he’s useful to them in Agege and its environs, and they don’t want an immediate crack in their ranks. The instruction is to continue investigations but not to touch him for now because he remains valuable to the party.”

Obasa was impeached on January 13 over allegations of budgetary fraud and corruption but remains a key political figure in Lagos, particularly in Agege and Alimosho—areas that played significant roles in the 2023 general elections. Sources say the First Lady believes Obasa’s influence is critical to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambitions in 2027, and his arrest at this time could weaken APC’s grip on the state.

The EFCC has been investigating Obasa’s financial activities since 2020, following reports detailing alleged asset acquisitions and mismanagement of public funds. Although he was not prosecuted at the time, fresh corruption allegations related to budgetary misappropriation led to his recent impeachment.

EFCC insiders indicated that Obasa was set for prosecution, but Tinubu’s intervention stalled their move. Agency sources confirmed they had been awaiting presidential approval to arrest the former speaker, but that directive never came, pointing to the First Lady’s influence in the case.

Despite the corruption allegations, Obasa returned from the U.S. last week and was met with a rousing welcome from supporters. At a press briefing, he dismissed the allegations, describing his impeachment as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

“If you want to claim that I’m corrupt, prove it,” Obasa stated.

During the 2023 elections, President Tinubu lost the Alimosho area to Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, who polled 71,327 votes against Tinubu’s 62,909. With 2027 in sight, the President is reportedly focused on consolidating APC’s control of Lagos, making Obasa a crucial asset despite his corruption allegations.