Ex-Anambra Governor Willie Obiano to be arraigned on N4bn laundering charges
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The charges involve alleged money laundering amounting to N4,008,573,350.
The move comes following EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s commitment to revisiting abandoned high-profile cases, particularly those involving former governors and ministers.
An inside source disclosed that Obiano is accused of transferring significant sums from security votes into different accounts, converting the money into dollars, and receiving it back in cash at various times.
EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead the prosecution. Obiano faces nine counts, including allegations of indirectly transferring funds for purposes unrelated to Anambra State’s security affairs.
The charges cite specific instances where funds were allegedly transferred to entities with no business relationship with the state government.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the upcoming arraignment, stating, “Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow.”
Obiano’s arrest in March 2022, immediately after leaving office, stemmed from corruption allegations related to the misappropriation of public funds, including the N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote.
The EFCC claimed that part of the funds was diverted to finance political activities in the state.