The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to present 15 witnesses to substantiate the N4 billion theft charges filed against former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano.
The revelation came after Obiano was arraigned on nine counts before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), expressed the EFCC’s readiness for the trial, emphasizing the availability of 15 witnesses with supporting documentary evidence. Tahir urged the court to issue a remand order.
Obiano’s defense, led by Ikpeazu (SAN), requested bail for the ex-governor, stating that an application had been filed. However, the prosecutor, having received the bail application on the same day, requested time to respond and proposed temporary imprisonment for Obiano.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, inquired about Obiano’s previous administrative bail status. Learning that he had been on administrative bail, the judge granted bail but restricted the ex-governor’s movement to the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge ordered the EFCC to deposit Obiano’s travel documents with the court registrar, who would inform the Nigerian Immigration Service. Additionally, the court registrar was tasked with verifying the sureties’ addresses, who are two directors in the civil service.
The case was adjourned until March 4, 5, 6, and 7 for the continuation of the trial.
The EFCC’s charges allege that Obiano misappropriated Anambra State’s security votes, amounting to N4,008,573,350 during his tenure from 2014 to 2022. Specific accusations include the indirect transfer of funds to entities unrelated to the state, constituting offenses under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended. Obiano pleaded not guilty to the charges.
