By Milcah Tanmiu

Former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, faced nine-count money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege that, during his tenure from March 2014 to March 2022, Obiano indirectly transferred substantial sums from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account to accounts unrelated to the state’s security affairs.

During his arraignment before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Obiano pleaded not guilty. Subsequently, he was granted administrative bail, subject to certain conditions. These conditions include surrendering his international passport, refraining from international travel without court permission, and providing details of his sureties to the EFCC.

Legal proceedings are scheduled to commence on March 4, following an adjournment. Obiano, who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on March 17, 2022, just hours after leaving office, faces charges related to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

Some of the charges specify instances where funds were allegedly transferred to entities unrelated to the state government, constituting offenses under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The charges detail amounts and transactions, accusing Obiano of dissipating funds for purposes unrelated to the security affairs of Anambra State.

The former governor’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have garnered attention, and the case is set to unfold as it moves forward in the court system.