In a significant development, former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, is reportedly in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its headquarters in Abuja. The action by the anti-graft agency is said to be in preparation for Obiano’s arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja on January 24 on alleged over N4 billion corruption charges.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Slyvanus Tahir, has been assigned to lead the prosecution against the former governor. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development but did not provide detailed information.
Obiano is facing charges related to the alleged transfer of funds from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into accounts belonging to entities with no business relationship with the state government. The charges accuse him of money laundering and corruption, and the trial is scheduled to commence on January 24.
The former governor was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to the United States. Family and friends of Obiano have reportedly assembled a team of senior lawyers for his defense in the upcoming trial and to ensure his bail after arraignment.
