N4 Billion! Ex-Anambra Governor Willie Obiano Pleads Not Guilty in Court

In a dramatic turn of events, former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, found himself in court on Wednesday, facing nine charges of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges, totaling a staggering N4,008,573,350, allege the illegal movement of funds over an eight-year period from March 2014 to March 2022.

According to the EFCC, Obiano is accused of transferring substantial amounts from security votes to various accounts.

Some of the counts read in court accuse him of indirectly transferring funds to entities with no business relationship with the Anambra State Government, raising suspicions of misappropriation and corruption.

As the charges were read out, the former governor maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all nine counts. The allegations include transfers through his then principal private secretary, Mr. Willie Nwokoye, to entities such as C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited and Easy Diamond Integrated Link.

One of the counts states, “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 – March 2022, sometime between 7th February, 2018, to 18th February 2019 in Abuja… indirectly transferred through Mr. Willie Nwokoye… the sum of N156,800.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account into an account belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited… which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated/unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State.”

The trial is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, shedding light on the alleged financial improprieties during Obiano’s tenure as governor.

The case has already garnered significant attention, raising questions about accountability and transparency in governance.

The former governor’s plea of not guilty sets the stage for a legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for Anambra State and its political landscape.