Former Anambra State Governor, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, has refuted the N40bn corruption charges filed against him by the federal government on Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty to all 9 count charges presented to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Despite opposition, the trial Judge, Inyang Edem Ekwo, dismissed EFCC’s request to detain the ex-governor at Kuje Prison for the duration of his trial.
Instead, Justice Ekwo upheld the administrative bail granted to Obiano by the EFCC, allowing him to return home and present himself for trial on any adjourned date.
Justice Ekwo justified his decision by stating that there was no need to impose additional bail conditions on the former governor, as he had not violated the terms set by the anti-graft agency.
Subsequently, the Judge scheduled March 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th as the dates to resume the trial.
The alleged money laundering amounts to N4,008,573,350, which Obiano is accused of moving from security votes into various accounts. The offenses were said to have occurred between March 2014 and March 2022.