The immediate past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has been granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja after being arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges against Obiano involve the alleged laundering of state funds amounting to N4,008,573,350.
The EFCC accused Obiano of transferring the funds from security votes into various accounts between March 2014 and March 2022. The former governor was alleged to have committed the offenses by moving the funds through his then principal private secretary, Mr. Willie Nwokoye.
One of the charges stated that Obiano, while serving as the executive governor of Anambra State, indirectly transferred N156,800.00 from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account to an account belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited. The funds were purportedly used for purposes unrelated to the security affairs of Anambra State.
Obiano entered a plea of not guilty to the nine-count charges. Justice Inyang Ekwo, in granting bail, stipulated that the former governor should remain within the court’s jurisdiction. The judge further directed the EFCC to deposit Obiano’s travel documents with the court registrar and instructed the registrar to inform the Nigerian Immigration Service of this arrangement.
The case has been adjourned until March 4, 5, 6, and 7 for the continuation of the trial.
