The trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, is set to commence today, Monday, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Obiano is facing charges of N4 billion security votes fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Security votes are monthly allowances allocated to the 36 states for state security purposes.
Presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, had previously dismissed Obiano’s motion to quash the EFCC charges and adjourned the trial to June 24, 25, 26, and 27.
Obiano was arraigned in court on January 24, 2024, for allegedly diverting public funds, to which he pleaded not guilty.
According to the EFCC, Obiano transferred over N1.2 billion from the state’s security vote to a company unrelated to government affairs, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
The EFCC’s investigation uncovered additional allegations of stealing, corruption, abuse of office, and conspiracy.
Obiano was placed on the EFCC’s watchlist in 2022 following allegations of corruption and was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport before being arraigned in court.
