Amanze Chinonye
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to allow the ongoing trial of former Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, to continue before Justice Inyang Ekwo rather than start afresh before another judge.
Obiano is facing a nine-count charge bordering on alleged embezzlement and money laundering involving about N4 billion. He was first arraigned in January 2024 over accusations that he diverted state security vote funds and other public resources while serving as governor from 2014 to 2022.
EFCC investigators allege that roughly N4 billion was moved through associates, state accounts, and security vote channels during his tenure, a claim Obiano has consistently denied as politically motivated.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : We Supplied Obiano Cash From State’s Security Votes – Witnesses
N4bn Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Anambra Gov Obiano In court Today Over Money Laundering Charges
At Tuesday’s sitting before Justice M. G. Umar, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN represented in court by two other lawyers told the court that the Commission prefers to await Justice Ekwo’s return in order to continue the matter from where it stopped. He explained that the prosecution had already called nine witnesses before Justice Ekwo, leaving only one or slightly more to close its case, making a restart unnecessary.
The ECC argued that beginning the trial de novo before a new judge would waste judicial time and undo months of proceedings in a case that has already advanced significantly. Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely, pending Ekwo’s resumption.
With the adjournment, the case now hinges on whether the court will allow proceedings to continue from their current stage an outcome that could determine how swiftly the EFCC can conclude its case against the former governor and whether the long-running trial finally moves toward judgment.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
