Former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, Arraigned for Alleged N4 Billion Fraud

In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Obiano faces nine-count charges, including money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing, and corruption amounting to N4 billion.

Count one of the charges alleges that Obiano, while serving as the Executive Governor of Anambra State between March 2014 and March 2022, instructed his Chief Protocol Officer to transfer over N223 million from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into a non-financial institution. The funds were then converted to $600,000 in cash, handed over to Obiano, leading to charges under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Another charge accuses Obiano of indirectly transferring over N1.2 billion from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into an account belonging to Moment of Peace Ventures, unrelated to the state's security affairs. This, too, resulted in charges under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Obiano pleaded not guilty to all charges during the arraignment.

In response to the plea, the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand Obiano in a Correctional Centre until the trial. The defense, represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, presented a bail application.

Justice Ekwo ruled that the prosecution should provide details of the administrative bail granted by the EFCC. The terms of this bail would be adopted by the court. Additionally, the court ordered the retention of Obiano's passport and travel documents, with the Nigeria Immigration Service notified. Obiano is prohibited from traveling outside the jurisdiction without the court's permission.

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The trial is set for March 4, 5, 6, and 7, 2024, marking a crucial period as Obiano defends himself against the serious charges brought against him.

By Bliss Anthony