The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely postponed the high-profile money laundering trial involving former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, who faces allegations of misappropriating N4 billion in state funds.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
During Tuesday's hearing, Justice Mohammed Umar granted an indefinite adjournment following a formal request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission legal team. EFCC counsel S.O. Obila informed the court that lead prosecuting counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) had instructed that the matter be adjourned sine die to allow Justice Inyang Ekwo, who had presided over the case from its inception, to conclude the proceedings.
"I have the instruction of the lead prosecuting counsel in this case, Mr Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), to apply to the Chief Judge that since we had called nine witnesses before the previous judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, we should wait for him to return and conclude the matter," Obila stated in court.
The defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Onyechi Ikpeazu, raised no objections to the EFCC's request for adjournment. After considering submissions from both legal teams, Justice Umar ruled in favor of the indefinite postponement.
Background of the Case
Willie Obiano was formally arraigned on 24 January 2024 and has maintained his not guilty plea against charges alleging the diversion of public funds during his tenure as Anambra State governor. Among the serious allegations, the EFCC accuses Obiano of transferring more than N1.2 billion from the state's security vote to a private company with no government affiliation, constituting a clear breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
Security votes represent funds allocated monthly to state governments exclusively for security operations, making their diversion particularly serious. The EFCC's comprehensive investigation extends beyond money laundering to include allegations of corruption, abuse of office, theft, and conspiracy.
Key Testimony and Legal Challenges
Earlier in the trial proceedings, Bureau De Change operator Ayuba Tanko provided significant testimony, revealing that he received N416 million through proxy accounts linked to Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd. during Obiano's administration. However, under cross-examination, Tanko denied ever dealing directly with the former governor.
Obiano's legal team had previously filed a motion seeking to quash the charges, arguing both lack of evidence and describing the case as an abuse of judicial process. Justice Ekwo dismissed this application, ruling that the EFCC possesses the statutory authority to investigate and prosecute financial offences, and that the sufficiency of evidence cannot be properly assessed at such a preliminary stage.
The trial has experienced multiple delays throughout its course, including a jurisdictional challenge mounted by Obiano that was eventually struck out by the court. Obiano's legal troubles began shortly after leaving office in 2022 when he was placed on the EFCC watchlist and subsequently arrested at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport days later.
The indefinite adjournment means court proceedings will remain suspended until Justice Ekwo becomes available to resume hearing the case, adding another chapter to the prolonged legal battle that has captured national attention.
