Obiano's Attempt To Stop Trial Over N40 Billion Fraud Allegation Unsuccessful

Willie Obiano

JUDGE rejects motion to drop N4 billion theft allegations against former Anambra governor Willie Obiano, who will go on trial.

Former Anambra State governor Willie Obiano's suit contesting the EFCC's (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) authority to prosecute him was denied by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Obiano was arraigned on January 24 and is scheduled to go on trial on nine charges pertaining to an alleged N4 billion theft.

The defendant's attorney, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), filed a preliminary objection on his client's behalf, claiming the EFCC lacked the right to prosecute him and asking the court to set aside the accusations, characterizing them as a procedural abuse.

Obiano's claim that the court lacked authority to consider matters pertaining to accountability for security vote funds was refuted by the court.

Obiano's arguments were met with evidence and charges from the EFCC, which claimed to have established a prima facie case.

Additionally, the agency insisted that Obiano's accusations were unaffected by the appeal filed by the state government of Anambra.

Habu Fari, the EFCC's representative, emphasized in a counter-affidavit that the accusations against Obiano were the outcome of a thorough investigation and were not driven by witchcraft.

According to Fari's counter-affidavit, “Contrary to the depositions contained in paragraphs 5 (v) and (vi) of the Defendant's affidavit, the charge and the proofs of evidence disclose a prima facie case and link the Defendant with the allegations constituted in the Charge.”

Throughout the hearing, Sylvanus Tahir, the attorney for the EFCC, argued that misappropriated security votes should be looked into, while Obiano's attorney urged the court to grant his client's pleas.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, however, declared in his decision on Thursday, April 18, that Obiano's application was without merit and ought to be rejected.