Breaking: EFCC Opens Money-Laundering Case Against Former-Anambra Governor Willie-Obiano (Details)

Breaking: EFCC Opens Money-Laundering Case Against Former-Anambra Governor Willie-Obiano (Details)

On Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its money laundering case against former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presenting two witnesses.

Obiano, who served from March 2014 to March 2022, faces a nine-count charge alleging he looted over N4 billion from the state treasury. The EFCC claims the funds were siphoned from the state’s Security Vote Account, converted into dollars, and handed to Obiano.

The first prosecution witness, banker Tochukwu Aloysius Nnadi, testified that he managed accounts for the Anambra state government, including the Security Vote Account. He confirmed that funds were regularly deposited from internally generated revenue and disbursed based on instructions from account operators. Nnadi provided the EFCC with documents and account statements, but declined to name beneficiaries in open court due to an “oath of secrecy.”

Another witness, Onitsha-based businesswoman Mrs. Chinwe Patricia Egbunam, testified that N156.8 million was passed through her company’s account from the Anambra State Government without her knowledge. She stated that the account was used by her account officer to facilitate an upgrade for travel purposes and that she had no direct dealings with Obiano.

The trial, overseen by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until Wednesday for further hearings.