The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought forward a nine-count money laundering charge against the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano.

The arraignment took place on January 24 before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Obiano, upon the reading of the charges, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Administrative Bail Conditions

Subsequently, Obiano was granted the privilege of going home based on the terms of an administrative bail previously extended to him by the anti-graft agency.

The conditions included the seizure of his international passport, and he was cautioned against traveling abroad without court permission. The court further directed the EFCC to provide details of those who served as sureties for Obiano.

Trial Commencement Date

The case has been adjourned until March 4, marking the commencement of Obiano’s trial. The former governor, arrested on March 17, 2022, just hours after leaving office, had been planning to board a flight to Houston, USA, at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos.

Charges and Allegations

The charges against Obiano include allegations of indirect transfers of funds from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into accounts belonging to entities with no business relationships with the state government.

The prosecution alleges that these funds, totaling N156,800.00 and N261,268,585.00 in two separate instances, were dissipated for purposes unrelated to the security affairs of Anambra State.

The charges point to offenses contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended in 2012, and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

As legal proceedings unfold, the case against Willie Obiano casts a spotlight on allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as Anambra State Governor.