The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned indefinitely the trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano over alleged misappropriation of ₦4 billion.
The adjournment followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prosecuting agency, requesting that the matter be adjourned sine die (without a fixed date).
When the case was called before Justice Mohammed Umar, prosecuting counsel S.O. Obila informed the court that this was the first hearing of the matter before the judge.
He said he had instructions from the lead counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, to seek an indefinite adjournment.
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Obila explained that nine witnesses had already testified before the previous judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, and the EFCC preferred to wait for his return to conclude the trial. He therefore prayed the court to adjourn the case sine die.
Obiano’s lawyer, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, said he would not oppose the request, noting the difficulties faced by the prosecution in securing the attendance of the nine witnesses who had testified.
Court Grants EFCC’s Request For Indefinite Adjournment
Justice Umar subsequently granted the EFCC’s application, adjourning the case indefinitely.
Obiano, who served as governor from March 2014 to March 2022, was arraigned on January 24, 2024, on nine counts of money laundering.
The EFCC alleged that he diverted more than ₦4 billion from the state’s security vote account into private entities and converted portions into foreign currency.
In April 2024, Justice Ekwo rejected attempts to quash the case, affirming that the court had jurisdiction and that a prima facie case existed.
So far, nine witnesses have testified, including a Bureau de Change operator who claimed he received about ₦416 million over eight months from the security vote account.
The trial had earlier stalled partly due to Justice Ekwo’s suspension by the National Judicial Council.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
