Alleged N4 Billion Fraud: Former Anambra Governor Obiano Challenges Jurisdiction, Court Sets Date for Hearing

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 7 to hear a motion challenging its jurisdiction in the case against former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano, who faces an alleged N4 billion fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Obiano, who pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge of money laundering on January 24, is contesting the court’s authority to handle the matter. His counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, filed the motion, prompting the court to set a specific date for its consideration.

During Monday’s proceedings, Sylvanus Tahir, representing the EFCC, revealed he had not filed a response as he received the motion on the same day. Tahir argued that the Federal High Court had inherent jurisdiction over money laundering cases, citing a precedent set by the Supreme Court.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, advised Tahir to file a response promptly and let the court decide on the matter.

Obiano, who governed Anambra from March 2014 to March 2022, is accused of diverting N4 billion from the state’s security funds account during his last five years in office. The EFCC alleges the funds were transferred through unrelated companies, converted to dollars, and handed over to the former governor.

The charges specify the amounts and dates of fund diversions through nine companies, providing a detailed account of the alleged financial misconduct. The court will further examine the case as it proceeds with the scheduled hearing on March 7.