N4bn Fraud: Court Fixes Nov 25 for Ex-Anambra Gov Obiano’s Trial
The trial of former Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, over alleged N4 billion money laundering will commence on November 25 at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after handling three judgments and several other cases on Thursday.
The case, previously overseen by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was reassigned to Justice Umar by Chief Judge John Tsoho.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a nine-count charge against Obiano, accusing him of misappropriating over N4 billion from Anambra State’s treasury during his tenure as governor between March 2014 and March 2022.
In earlier proceedings, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, led key witnesses, including former bank employee Ugochukwu Otubelu, who testified on managing the state’s security vote account under Obiano.
He disclosed that funds were moved into six companies’ accounts, though the account holders did not receive the money directly.
Bureau De Change operators, Hayatu Hadejia and Ayuba Tanko, also testified.
Tanko told the court that between April and December 2017, N416 million was paid into a company account he used, which he converted into $1.137 million.
When cross-examined by Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Tanko said he never had direct dealings with the former governor.
The prosecution also presented testimonies from three bank workers linked to the transactions.
The case is expected to proceed with more witnesses when the trial opens in November.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
