Former Anambra State’s Governor Willie Obiano today Wednesday appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a N4 billion fraud case the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought against the politician.
EFCC alleged Obiano, 68, stole N4 billion while Governor of the South-East State from March 2014 to March 2022.
He pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge in the money laundering charges.
EFCC’s legal team said 14 witnesses had been lined up to testify in the case.
However, the trial Judge rejected the request by counsel for the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, that the court remand Obiano in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
He granted the Accused an administrative bail, permitting Obiano to go home.
As part of the bail conditions, Obiano must provide two sureties who should be directors in the civil service, with landed property in Abuja.
In addition, Obiano must remain within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with his travel documents lodged with the court.
The case has now been adjourned till March 4,5,6 and 7 for continuation of trial.
Shortly after he handed over power to Governor Chukwuma Soludo in Marhc 2022, the EFCC nabbed Obiano at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on his way out of the country.
