The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed details of an alleged money laundering scheme involving former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano.
According to the EFCC, Obiano purportedly laundered approximately N4 billion from the state’s security votes account with the aid of state officials.
The anti-graft agency revealed this information in a counter affidavit submitted in response to a motion filed by Obiano challenging the competence of a money laundering charge brought against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Obiano is also disputing the jurisdiction of the court to hear the charges against him, which he was arraigned for on January 24.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/15/2024, the prosecution alleges that between March 2014 and March 2022, Obiano indirectly diverted funds from Anambra State Government’s security vote account for purposes unrelated to state security concerns.
The EFCC’s counter affidavit asserts that Obiano allegedly employed several state government officials, including his Principal Private Secretary Willie Nwokoye, Otubetu Ugochukwu Chinedu, and Uzuegbuna Okoagbue, to launder funds on his behalf. These funds were reportedly transferred to non-financial institutions and individual accounts, converted into United States dollars, and handed over to Obiano by his Chief Protocol Officer/Deputy Chief of Staff, Uzuegbuna Okoagbue, without sufficient evidence of their intended use for security purposes.
The commission also disputed Obiano’s argument that he should not be held accountable for the actions of Anambra officials, stating that as governor, he should have taken action against those who withdrew funds illegally.
During the court proceedings, Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), requested the court to grant the reliefs sought by his client.
Meanwhile, EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the motion, asserting that security votes can be investigated and that the court has jurisdiction to try the case.
Justice Inyang Ekwo has adjourned the case until April 18 for ruling.
