A former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano was Wednesday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged money laundering during his tenure in office.
The anti-graft agency alleged in a nine-count charge that Obiano misappropriated public funds to the tune of N4, 008,573,350 belonging to the Anambra State government while he was in office between 2014 and 2022.
The ex-governor, however, pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Following the plea, counsel to the EFCC and its Director of Legal and Prosecution, Slyvanus Tahir (SAN) informed the judge that the prosecution has 14 witnesses to testify against the defendant at the next hearing.
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Defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) pleaded with the court to grant the defendant bail pending the conclusion of trial.
In his ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that the ex-governor maintain his pending administrative bail.
The terms of the bail included the two sureties who are directors in the civil service and must own landed properties in the FCT.
The judge fixed March 4 for trial.
