Former Governor Obiano’s N4 Billion Fraud Trial Rescheduled in Abuja
The highly anticipated trial of Willie Obiano, the former Governor of Anambra State, over alleged N4 billion in money laundering, has been moved. On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja set a new date for the trial: November 25.
The case was initially on the court’s list for that day, but Justice Mohammed Umar simply adjourned it after handling other cases. This means Obiano’s ongoing legal battle will continue later in the year.
The Heart of the Allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) first brought charges against Obiano on January 24, 2024. He pleaded “not guilty” to all the accusations.
At the core of the EFCC’s case, Obiano is accused of taking over N1.2 billion from Anambra State’s “security vote” and transferring it to a company that had no connection to government business.
What are “security votes”? These are special monthly funds given to Nigeria’s 36 states, specifically meant for securing the state and its people. The EFCC believes Obiano misused these funds.
Obiano’s Fight to Stop the Trial
Obiano, through his lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), tried to get the court to dismiss the charges. He argued that the case was an abuse of the legal system and that there was no real evidence showing he personally ordered the release of these funds.
However, Justice Inyang Ekwo (who previously handled the case) ruled against Obiano. The judge clarified that in criminal cases before a federal high court, the issue of “proof of evidence” (detailed prior evidence) isn’t debated at that early stage. He also confirmed that the EFCC has the power to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, even those involving government funds. This ruling paved the way for the trial to move forward.
Key Witness Testimony
In a previous court session, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator named Ayuba Tanko provided testimony. He admitted that his companies (Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd.) had received N416 million during Obiano’s time as governor, but this was through other people, not directly from Obiano himself. When questioned by Obiano’s lawyer, Tanko specifically stated, “I did not deal directly with the defendant.”
The ongoing trial session on Thursday concluded without further arguments or testimony, resulting in a new adjournment.
Obiano’s Journey to Court
It’s essential to recall that Obiano was added to the EFCC’s watchlist for corruption allegations shortly after his term as governor concluded in 2022. Days later, he was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
His trial had faced delays because he challenged the court’s authority to hear the case. However, with that challenge now dismissed, the path is clear for the trial to proceed and for the facts of the alleged N4 billion fraud to be examined in court.
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