Anambra Ex-Governor, Willie Obiano Granted Bail After EFCC Arraigned Him For N4bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Willie Obiano, the immediate past governor of Anambra state, with money laundering allegations.

In September 2021, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra had asked the EFCC to probe the state’s finances to unearth “monumental deception”.

Basil Ejidike, Anambra APC chairman, had alleged that Obiano was “fraudulently” using the state’s security vote.

Appearing before Judge Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the former governor pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge brought against him by the anti-graft agency.

Following the arraignment, the EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir requested the court to remand Obiano in custody until the trial begins.

However, Onyinyechi Ikpeazu, Obiano’s counsel, sought bail for his client.

In the ruling, Judge Ekwo granted bail to the defendant on the administrative terms set by the EFCC earlier.

The judge stipulated that Obiano’s international passport should be submitted to the court within 10 days and instructed the court registrar to notify the Nigerian Immigration Service upon its transfer.

The case was subsequently adjourned to March 4 for the commencement of trial.

KanyiDaily had reported how Willie Obiano was apprehended by the EFCC at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos  on March 17, 2022.