Alleged N4bn fraud: Ex-Anambra gov, Obiano loses bid to stop trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the application by a former governor of Anambra State, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, seeking to quash the N4 billion money laundering charges against him by the federal government.

Justice Inyang Ekwo on Thursday faulted and rejected all grounds of the application brought by Obiano.

The former governor had amongst others, asked the court to dismiss the nine-count charges instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the federal government.

He claimed that there was no link between the proof of evidence supplied by the EFCC and the accusations against him.

He averred that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that he issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra State Government.

Obiano also claimed that he cannot be held accountable for any alleged unlawful actions by officials of the Anambra State government as there is no concept of vicarious liability in the criminal justice system.

His motion on notice was brought pursuant to section 6 (6) (a) and (b) and section 36(6) (6) b of the 1999 constitution as amended and section 1(1) & (2), 266, 271(b), 383(4) &492 (3) of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Meanwhile, the Judge has fixed June 24, 25, 26 and 27 for full trial of the charges.

Similarly, Justice Ekwo granted Obiano 60 days to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The judge ordered that Obiano be made to sign an undertaking to return to the country after the treatment and to deposit his travelling passport within three days of his return to Nigeria.