The trial of a former governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano over alleged N4billion fraud will today continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
On Tuesday, two witnesses testified as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its money laundering case against Chief Obiano.
The first prosecution witness, Mr. Tochukwu Aloysius Nnadi, a commercial banker, and the second witness, Mrs. Chinwe Patricia Egbunam, a businesswoman from Onitsha, presented their evidence before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Mr. Nnadi, a bank manager in Awka, testified about his interactions with the EFCC concerning the financial activities of Obiano’s administration. He detailed how the bank managed various state government accounts, including those for security votes, which were primarily funded by internally generated revenue (IGR).
Despite compliance with EFCC investigations, he refrained from naming beneficiaries in open court, citing an oath of secrecy. Documents related to the transactions, totaling 794 pages, were admitted as evidence.
On her part, Mrs. Egbunam testified that she was summoned by the EFCC regarding funds channeled through her company, C.I. Party Ventures Nigeria Limited. She explained that her account officer was responsible for an account upgrade necessary for her travel plans, during which N156.8 million from the Anambra State Government passed through her account. She denied any personal involvement with the funds or direct dealings with Obiano.
Under cross-examination, both witnesses maintained that all transactions complied with banking regulations and mandates. Mrs. Egbunam also discussed the security situation in Anambra during Obiano’s tenure, noting efforts to maintain peace amid threats from groups like ESN and IPOB.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the proceedings until Wednesday for the continuation of the trial.
At the beginning of the trial, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the lead counsel to the prosecution told the court that the anti-graft agency had lined up 15 witnesses armed with documentary evidence to prove its case.
Meanwhile, Chief Obiano is facing a nine-count charge bordering on allegations of diverting Anambra State’s security votes amounting to N4,008,573,350 during his governorship from 2014 to 2022. The EFCC accused him of transferring significant sums indirectly to entities unrelated to state affairs, constituting acts of stealing and corruption.
During one of the trial’s proceedings, Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), informed Justice Ekwo of the state government’s opposition to Obiano’s trial by the EFCC. Ikpeazu cited a March 3 appeal challenging the EFCC’s authority to investigate and try Obiano, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction in matters related to accountability for security votes funds.
Ikpeazu emphasized, “There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government.
