Obiano Escapes EFCC Custody After Crucial Court Decision in N4bn Fraud Case

Obiano Escapes EFCC Custody After Crucial Court Decision in N4bn Fraud Case

  • The trial of ex-Anambra governor Willie Obiano kicked off on Tuesday, January 24, at the Federal High Court in Abuja
  • Obiano, apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2023, is accused of money laundering
  • It was gathered that he had allegedly diverted public funds of over N4 billion during his term as governor

Legit.ng journalist Segun Adeyemi has over 9 years of experience covering political events, civil societies, courts, and metro

FCT, Abuja - Justice Inyang Ekwo from the Federal High Court in Abuja has approved bail for Willie Obiano, the former governor of Anambra State.

The court specified that Obiano is confined to the court's jurisdiction and directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to place the defendant's travel documents in the custody of the court registrar.

Obiamo is the former governor of Anambra state
Willie Obiano was arrested on his way to the Airport after handing over the mantle of office to Gov Charles Soludo. Photo Credit: Twitter
Source: UGC

Justice Ekwo instructed the registrar to inform the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) about the situation.

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Willie Obiano: Witness tells court how Anambra govt transferred dollars to his account

The prosecuting counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had requested the court to detain the ex-governor.

The case has now been adjourned for the continuation of the trial, with the following dates set for March 4, 5, 6, and 7.

N4bn Fraud: Trouble as EFCC drags former Gov Aliyu, ex-PDP chairman to court

In another report, the EFCC has appealed the no-case submission granted to former governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger state over a N4 billion fraud allegation.

Another defendant in the N4 billion fraud allegation suit was the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger state, Tanko Beji.

Other defendants in the fraud allegation were a former commissioner for environment and a chief of staff to Babangida Aliyu, Umar Nasko.

Alleged $6bn fraud: Court begins trial of Ex-minister Agunloye

Elsewhere, the former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye, is facing trial for an alleged $6 billion fraud.

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The ex-minister was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2023.

He was granted bail of N50 million at his trial, requiring two reputable individuals residing in Abuja to act as sureties with an equivalent sum.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Segun Adeyemi avatar

Segun Adeyemi (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Segun Adeyemi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience as an active field reporter, editor, and editorial manager. He has had stints with Daily Trust newspaper, Daily Nigerian, and News Digest. He currently works as an editor for Legit.ng's current affairs and politics desk. He holds a degree in Mass Communication (Adekunle Ajasin University). He is a certified digital reporter by Reuters, AFP and the co-convener of the annual campus journalism awards. Email: segun.adeyemi@corp.legit.ng.