Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the application by ex-Anambra State Governor, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, aimed at dismissing the N40 billion money laundering charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, the Judge dismissed all grounds presented by Obiano for quashing the charges.
Obiano had requested the Judge to dismiss the 9-count charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the Federal Government.
He argued that there was no correlation between the evidence provided by the EFCC and the accusations against him.
The former governor also contended that he could not be held responsible for any alleged unlawful actions by Anambra State Government officials under the criminal justice system, citing the lack of vicarious liability.
His motion was based on constitutional provisions and the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015.
Among other requests, Obiano sought the quashing of the charges due to what he deemed as a lack of a prima facie case against him.
However, Justice Ekwo ruled that Obiano’s requests were premature and lacked merit, emphasizing that a trial is necessary to ascertain the former governor’s involvement in the alleged offenses.
Obiano is facing 9-count charges of money laundering totaling N40 billion brought against him by the EFCC.
The trial for the charges has been scheduled for June 24-27 by Justice Ekwo.
Additionally, the Judge granted Obiano permission to travel abroad for medical treatment for 60 days, with the condition that he must return to Nigeria and surrender his passport within three days of his return.