The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned indefinitely the trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, who is facing allegations of misappropriating over ₦4 billion in state funds.
The adjournment followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the prosecuting agency, which requested that the case be adjourned sine die. Justice Mohammed Umar granted the request during proceedings in the capital.
During the hearing, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Mr S.O. Obila, explained that it was the first time the case had come before Justice Umar.
He noted that his instructions from the lead counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, were to request the indefinite adjournment, as nine witnesses had previously testified before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
The EFCC argued that it was preferable to await the return of Justice Ekwo to conclude the matter efficiently.
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Counsel to Obiano, Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, did not oppose the application, acknowledging the challenges faced by the prosecution in securing the attendance of the witnesses who had already given testimony. The trial judge subsequently adjourned the case indefinitely.
Obiano, who served as governor of Anambra from March 2014 to March 2022, was arraigned by the EFCC on January 24, 2024, on a nine-count charge of money laundering.
The anti-graft agency alleged that he diverted funds from the state’s security vote account into private entities and converted portions of the funds into foreign currency.
In April 2024, Justice Ekwo rejected a motion to quash the case, affirming that the court had jurisdiction and that a prima facie case had been established against the former governor.
To date, nine witnesses have testified in the trial, including a Bureau de Change operator who claimed to have received approximately ₦416 million over eight months from the security vote account.
The trial has faced several interruptions, partly due to the suspension of Justice Ekwo by the National Judicial Council, which has contributed to delays in concluding the case.
Observers note that the indefinite adjournment may extend the resolution timeline, leaving stakeholders awaiting further developments in the high-profile prosecution.
The EFCC has maintained that it remains committed to ensuring accountability and the recovery of misappropriated funds, emphasizing the importance of due process in high-stakes corruption trials involving public officials.
NAN
