Court Rejects Obiano’s Objection in N4 Billion Fraud Case, Trial to Proceed

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a preliminary objection by former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, against fraud charges related to N4 billion in security votes.

The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Inyang Ekwo, presiding over the case, ruled that the ex-governor’s security votes, which are derived from Nigeria’s federation account, fall within the jurisdiction of the EFCC to investigate.

The court’s decision was made public on Thursday, with Justice Ekwo emphasizing that the security votes in question are a matter of constitutional concern, as they come from the federation account.

The judge dismissed Obiano’s application, stating that “none of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) upon which the applicant relied on in his application, has any bearing on this case.”

Obiano, through his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, had filed a motion on notice seeking an order of the court to quash the charges, arguing that the EFCC’s investigation into the financial affairs of the Anambra State government was beyond its jurisdiction.

However, Justice Ekwo held that the Federal High Court is a court of summary jurisdiction in criminal proceedings and that the court has the power to entertain issues on accountability for security vote funds.

The EFCC, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, had previously argued that the commission’s investigation encompasses more than just the Security Votes Accounts, with a comprehensive review of the state’s financial activities under Obiano’s governance from 2014 to 2022.

In light of the ruling, Obiano’s trial is set to proceed, with the court granting the defendant’s application to vary the bail so that he can travel.

The trial has been adjourned to June 24, 25, 26, and 27 for further proceedings.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria, with the court affirming the commission’s powers to investigate and prosecute cases involving the misuse of public funds.