2 Witnesses Testify as EFCC Opens Case Against Ex-Gov Obiano

On Tuesday, two witnesses testified at a Federal High Court in Abuja as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its money laundering case against former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano.

The first prosecution witness, Mr. Tochukwu Aloysius Nnadi, a commercial banker, and the second witness, Mrs. Chinwe Patricia Egbunam, a businesswoman from Onitsha, presented their evidence before Justice Inyang Ekwo. The case was prosecuted by Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, SAN.

Willie Obiano served as the Governor of Anambra State from March 2014 to March 2022. He faces a nine-count charge alleging the misappropriation of over N4 billion from the state’s treasury.

Mr. Nnadi, a bank manager in Awka, testified about his interactions with the EFCC concerning the financial activities of Obiano’s administration. He detailed how the bank managed various state government accounts, including those for security votes, which were primarily funded by internally generated revenue. Despite compliance with EFCC investigations, he refrained from naming beneficiaries in open court, citing an oath of secrecy. Documents related to these transactions, totaling 794 pages, were admitted as evidence.

Mrs. Egbunam testified that she was summoned by the EFCC regarding funds channeled through her company, C.I. Party Ventures Nigeria Limited. She explained that her account officer was responsible for an account upgrade necessary for her travel plans, during which N156.8 million from the Anambra State Government passed through her account. She denied any personal involvement with the funds or direct dealings with Obiano.

Under cross-examination, both witnesses maintained that all transactions complied with banking regulations and mandates. Mrs. Egbunam also discussed the security situation in Anambra during Obiano’s tenure, noting efforts to maintain peace amid threats from groups like ESN and IPOB

Justice Ekwo adjourned the proceedings until Wednesday for the continuation of the trial.