Obiano’s Trial Deferred to March 13 as Court Considers Jurisdiction Challenge

The trial of former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on charges of money laundering and corruption, has been postponed to March 13, 2024.

Obiano, who served as governor from March 2014 to March 2022, is facing allegations of siphoning over N4 billion from the state’s treasury.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a nine-count charge against Obiano at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The charges include allegations of transferring funds from the state’s Security Vote Account into personal accounts and converting the funds into US dollars.

During the latest court proceedings, Obiano’s counsel, Chief Patrick Ikwueto, requested time to respond to the EFCC’s counter-affidavit opposing Obiano’s motion to dismiss the case on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction.

The prosecution, represented by Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, had earlier informed the court that he served the counter-affidavit and written address on Obiano’s lead counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, who was absent from his office at the time.

Obiano was initially arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, USA, just hours after leaving office as governor.

The trial has garnered significant attention, as the EFCC has lined up 15 witnesses to testify against Obiano.

The case raises questions about the integrity of public officials and the need for transparency in governance.

As the trial continues, the court will consider Obiano’s challenge to its jurisdiction and determine whether the case will proceed in Abuja or be transferred to another jurisdiction.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption and the accountability of elected officials in Nigeria.