Alleged ₦4bn Fraud: Former Anambra Gov, Obiano Pleads Not Guilty, Granted Bail

In a significant legal development, former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, faced the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today on nine counts of alleged N4 billion fraud during his eight-year tenure.

The 68-year-old ex-governor pleaded not guilty to the charges during the arraignment before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to the prosecution, the EFCC has prepared 14 witnesses to testify against Obiano, marking a critical phase in the legal proceedings. The anti-graft agency, represented by counsel Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to remand Obiano in the custody of the EFCC. However, the former governor is presently on administrative bail, a condition that entails providing two sureties – civil service directors with owned landed properties in Abuja.

Justice Ekwo endorsed the existing administrative bail conditions but added specifics. Obiano must remain within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and his travel documents must be submitted to the court. The court also directed the notification of immigration regarding the custody of Obiano’s travel documents.

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Obiano’s arrest at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, shortly after handing over power in March 2022, marked the commencement of the EFCC’s probe. The former governor was en route to Houston, Texas, in the United States at the time of his arrest. Last November, the EFCC had placed Obiano on a watchlist, with investigations continuing while he remained on bail.