Former Anambra Governor, Obiano to be arraigned for N4bn money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday, January 24, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The charges against him relate to alleged money laundering amounting to N4 billion.

This move comes after the recent commitment by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to review and pursue high-profile cases, particularly those involving former Governors and Ministers.

A reliable source disclosed, “We found that Obiano moved N4,008,573,350 from security votes into different accounts. The money at various times was changed into dollars and returned to Obiano by cash.”

EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will spearhead the trial, supported by eight other lawyers.

Among the charges Obiano is facing are allegations of indirectly transferring funds from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into unrelated business accounts. The charges outline specific instances where substantial sums were allegedly dissipated for purposes unrelated to the security affairs of Anambra State.

The charges include:

That between February 7, 2018, and February 18, 2019, Obiano indirectly transferred N156,800.00 from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into an account belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited. The funds were allegedly used for purposes unrelated to the state’s security affairs.

That between August 9, 2017, and March 4, 2020, Obiano indirectly transferred N261,268,585.00 from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into the account of Easy Diamond Integrated Link. Again, the funds were purportedly used for purposes unrelated to the state’s security affairs.