The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has implored the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject an application filed by the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, seeking to dismiss the nine-count money laundering charge preferred against him, News About Nigeria reports.
In a counter-affidavit submitted before the court, the anti-graft agency claimed that it had gathered enough evidence to secure the conviction of the former governor.
The EFCC argued that the proof of evidence it presented established a prima facie case necessitating Obiano’s trial.
Contrary to Obiano’s claims that his trial should be halted due to the Anambra state government’s claim that its funds were not missing, the EFCC argued that since the state government was not a party to Obiano’s case, it lacked the legal standing to challenge the proceedings before the trial court.
The agency mentioned that the charges against Obiano were not motivated by malice or witch-hunting but were initiated through due legal process and a thorough investigation into economic and financial crimes.
During the court session on Wednesday, Obiano’s counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, (SAN), advocated for the dismissal of the charges against his client.
However, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), urged the court to reject Obiano’s application, arguing that the diversion of funds earmarked as security votes by the former governor warranted an investigation.
After hearing arguments from both parties, trial Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter until April 18 for a ruling.
It is worth noting that Obiano was arrested on March 17, 2022, at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, shortly after leaving office as governor.
The EFCC alleges that he embezzled over N4 billion from the Anambra State Treasury, with funds syphoned from the state’s Security Vote Account and converted into foreign currency.
Obiano pleaded not guilty to the charges upon his arraignment on January 24 and was released on bail, with the condition that his international passport be seized.
The EFCC disclosed that it has lined up 15 witnesses to testify in the case.
The former governor filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try him over offences allegedly committed in Anambra State, seeking the dismissal of the charges against him.
One of the counts against Obiano alleges that he indirectly transferred funds from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account for purposes unrelated to the state’s security affairs, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
