The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 24.
Obiano faces nine counts of alleged money laundering totaling N4,008,573,350, with accusations of transferring funds from security votes into various accounts and converting them into dollars.
The move follows EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s commitment to reviewing abandoned high-profile cases, particularly involving former Governors and Ministers.
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The charges detail transactions through Obiano’s then principal private secretary, Mr. Willie Nwokoye, implicating the diversion of funds for purposes unrelated to Anambra State’s security affairs.
EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, along with eight other lawyers, will prosecute the former governor. Obiano’s arrest, occurring just hours after leaving office and losing immunity, marked the culmination of corruption allegations related to the misappropriation of public funds, including N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote.
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When reached for comment, EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Obiano’s arraignment, underscoring the gravity of the charges against the ex-governor.
The trial is expected to shed light on the alleged financial misconduct during Obiano’s tenure.