Federal High Court in Abuja to Begin Trial of Ex-Anambra Governor Willie Obiano Over N4 Billion Fraud Charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to commence the trial of Willie Obiano, the former Governor of Anambra State, today over alleged N4 billion security votes fraud. The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), include allegations of diversion of public funds and money laundering.

Presiding over the case, Justice Inyang Ekwo had previously scheduled the trial dates for June 24, 25, 26, and 27 after dismissing Obiano’s motion to quash the charges. The former governor was arraigned on January 24, 2024, pleading not guilty to the allegations.

The EFCC’s investigation revealed that Obiano allegedly transferred over N1.2 billion from the state’s security vote to a private company, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Security votes are monthly allocations given to states for security purposes.

Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), representing the EFCC, stated that the investigation extended beyond security vote accounts to include allegations of stealing, corruption, abuse of office, and conspiracy. Obiano’s defense, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), argued that there was no evidence that Obiano had ordered the disbursement of the funds in question, claiming the charges were an abuse of judicial process.

However, Justice Ekwo ruled that the issue of proof of evidence is not applicable at the commencement of a criminal charge before a federal high court. He affirmed the EFCC’s authority to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, including those involving the Federation Account. Consequently, Obiano’s application to dismiss the charges was denied, and the trial was set to begin.

Obiano was placed on the EFCC watchlist and arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after his tenure ended in 2022. His trial had been delayed due to jurisdictional challenges raised by his defense, which have now been addressed by the court.

This high-profile case underscores the ongoing efforts of Nigerian authorities to tackle corruption and financial misconduct among public officials.