Anambra Government Challenges EFCC’s Trial of Ex-Governor Obiano in N4bn Fraud Case

The Anambra State Government has contested the trial of former Governor Willie Obiano by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Obiano faces nine charges related to an alleged misappropriation of N4 billion in security votes during his tenure from 2014 to 2022.

The EFCC had arraigned Obiano on January 24, accusing him of diverting the aforementioned funds. Despite the charges, Justice Inyang Ekwo granted Obiano administrative bail, limiting his movement to Abuja and ordering the EFCC to deposit his travel documents with the court.

An unexpected visit from the current Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to Obiano in Abuja drew attention. Governor Soludo expressed solidarity with his predecessor, stating on Facebook, “By His grace, this one too shall pass.”

During the trial’s recent proceedings, Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), informed Justice Ekwo of the state government’s opposition to Obiano’s trial by the EFCC. Ikpeazu cited a March 3 appeal challenging the EFCC’s authority to investigate and try Obiano, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction in matters related to accountability for security votes funds.

Ikpeazu emphasized, “There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government.”

He further argued that no evidence existed to show Obiano’s involvement in issuing directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the state government. Ikpeazu contended that the charges were made in bad faith and urged the court to consider the inherent judicial powers to grant the reliefs sought.

Meanwhile, the trial faced its second delay due to Obiano’s lawyer’s inability to respond to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit. The EFCC prosecutor, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), explained challenges in serving the documents, leading to an adjournment of the matter until March 13.