The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ex-Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on nine counts of alleged N4bn fraud during his time as governor of the South-East state from March 2014 to March 2022.
The 68-year-old was arraigned today (Wednesday) before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed the development, noting that Obiano will be arraigned on Wednesday.
“Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow,” Oyewale noted.
The ex-governor was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, the United States of America.
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The arrest took place at about 8.30 pm, hours after he left office as governor and, thus, lost his immunity from arrest and prosecution.
He had been on the EFCC’s watchlist for some time before he was eventually arrested over corruption allegations.
“Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote which was withdrawn in cash. Part of the funds was also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state,” EFCC had noted at the time.
Obiano pleaded not guilty for the money laundering charges levelled against him.
Counsel for the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, asked that he be remanded in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
