Court Adjourns Ex‑Governor Obiano’s EFCC Case Sine Die
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned sine die (indefinitely) the trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, who is facing allegations of laundering approximately ₦4 billion.
Hon. Justice Mohammed Umar granted the adjournment upon the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), whose legal team sought to allow Justice Inyang Ekwo—who had presided over the matter from inception—to conclude the proceedings.
Obiano was arraigned on 24 January 2024 by the EFCC on charges bordering on diversion of public funds. He pleaded not guilty. Among the allegations, the former governor is accused of transferring over ₦1.2 billion from the state’s security vote to a private company unconnected with government activities, in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
EFCC’s lead counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, submitted that the investigation extended beyond security vote accounts to encompass allegations of stealing, corruption, abuse of office, and conspiracy. Obiano’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, had earlier filed a motion to quash the charges, describing them as an abuse of judicial process. However, Justice Ekwo dismissed the application, affirming EFCC’s statutory authority to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, including those involving funds from the Federation Account.
During prior proceedings, Bureau De Change operator, Ayuba Tanko, admitted under examination that his firms—Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd.—received ₦416 million during Obiano’s administration through proxy accounts. Under cross‑examination, however, he denied transacting directly with the former governor.
At the resumed hearing, EFCC’s counsel, S.O. Obila, argued that since nine witnesses had already testified before Justice Ekwo, it would be unnecessary to recommence the trial before a new judge. He therefore sought an indefinite adjournment, which was not opposed by the defence.
Justice Umar, after hearing both parties, adjourned the matter sine die. The implication is that the trial will resume only upon Justice Ekwo’s return to the bench to continue with the proceedings.
