Court to Hear Obiano’s Motion Challenging Jurisdiction in Alleged N4bn Fraud Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing on March 7 to address a motion filed by former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, challenging the court’s jurisdiction in the alleged N4 billion fraud case against him.

Obiano is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting funds from the state’s security vote account during his tenure.

The former governor was arraigned on January 24 on a nine-count charge related to money laundering and the alleged diversion of funds between 2017 and 2022.

Obiano pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read to him.

During the hearing on Monday, Obiano’s counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, informed the court that he had filed a motion challenging its jurisdiction.

The EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, said he had not yet filed a reply because he was served the motion on Monday morning in court.

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, advised the prosecutor to file a response to the motion and leave the court to decide on the matter.

The issue of jurisdiction has been settled by the Supreme Court in cases where money laundering is involved, as the Federal High Court has inherent jurisdiction to try such cases.

The charges filed by the EFCC detail the nine companies allegedly used to divert the funds from the state government’s security vote account.

Each of the nine counts reveals the amount a company received and the period it received it from the state government’s account.

The case has garnered significant attention as it involves a former governor and allegations of corruption.

The outcome of the March 7 hearing will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings and whether the court will proceed with the trial or dismiss the charges.