The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja. This follows allegations of money laundering to the tune of N4,008,573,350.
The ex-governor will face nine count charges related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds. The charges include claims that Obiano moved N4,008,573,350 from security votes into different accounts. The funds were allegedly changed into dollars at various times and returned to Obiano in cash.
The decision to arraign Obiano comes after the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, pledged to review abandoned high-profile cases, particularly those involving former Governors and Ministers.
EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will be joined by eight other lawyers in the trial of the former governor.
Some of the charges against Obiano include the indirect transfer of sums from Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into accounts unrelated to the state’s security affairs. The charges cite violations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development, stating that Obiano would be arraigned on Wednesday.
Obiano was initially arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, the United States. The arrest, occurring hours after he left office, stripped him of immunity from arrest and prosecution. Obiano had been on the EFCC’s watchlist for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote. The funds were claimed to be withdrawn in cash, with part allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state.
