Ex-Anambra Governor, Obiano Arraigned for Alleged N4bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally charged the former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, with nine counts of alleged N4 billion fraud. The charges span his tenure as governor from March 2014 to March 2022.

Today, the 68-year-old Obiano appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to the money laundering charges brought against him.

The prosecution has disclosed a lineup of 14 witnesses set to testify against the ex-governor, indicating a rigorous legal battle ahead.

EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir requested that Obiano be remanded in the custody of the anti-graft agency. Currently on administrative bail, Obiano’s release terms include two sureties who are civil service directors with properties in Abuja.

Justice Ekwo upheld the administrative bail conditions, specifying that Obiano must remain within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and submit his travel documents to the court. Additionally, the court-mandated alerting immigration to the possession of Obiano’s travel documents.

The legal saga began shortly after Obiano handed over power to Governor Chukwuma Soludo in March 2022, with his arrest at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos as he attempted to depart for Houston, Texas.