The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on nine counts of alleged N4bn fraud during his time as state governor, between March 2014 to March 2022.
Obiano was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court to take his plea on the charges against him and pleaded not guilty to all nine charges.
Counsel for the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) asked that the 68-year-old, be remanded in the custody of the anti-graft agency throughout the duration of his trial.
However, Justice Iyang Ekwo adopted the administrative bail earlier granted to Obiano which includes providing two sureties who are directors in civil service and landed properties in Abuja.
He added that Obiano will remain within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), that his travel documents be summited to the court within 7 days and that the immigration be informed that all travel documents are with the court.
Recall that Obiano was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he made to board a flight to Houston, United States of America.
He was granted administrative bail by the anti-graft agency until the duration of his trial.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the trial to 4th-7th March 2024.
Dominica Nwabufo
