By Milcah Tanimu

Willie Obiano, former Governor of Anambra, has contested the jurisdiction of the Abuja Federal High Court in addressing the fraud allegations leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On January 24, the EFCC brought nine charges against the ex-governor, accusing him of money laundering amounting to N4bn during his tenure from 2014 to 2022.

The charges allege that Obiano diverted Anambra State’s security funds, totaling N4,008,573,350, and transferred N1.2bn from the state’s security vote account to an unrelated account owned by Moment of Peace Ventures.

Obiano pleaded not guilty to all counts.

During the latest hearing on Monday, EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, declared readiness to proceed with the case, presenting three witnesses. However, Obiano’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), filed a motion disputing the court’s jurisdiction.

Tahir acknowledged receipt of the motion served to him on Monday morning but had yet to respond.

He argued that the Federal High Court had inherent jurisdiction over money laundering cases, referencing a previous Supreme Court ruling.

However, Justice Inyang Ekwo intervened, advising Tahir to let the court decide on the motion’s merit.

The case was adjourned to March 7, 2024, for further consideration of the jurisdictional challenge.