The trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano over allegations of laundering ₦4 billion has been indefinitely adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requested the pause during proceedings on Tuesday, November 25.
EFCC lawyer S.O. Obila explained that the lead prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, wanted Justice Inyang Ekwo, who had been handling the case from the start, to finish it rather than having another judge restart the trial.
“In the light of this, I have the instruction of the lead prosecuting counsel in this case, Mr Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), to apply to the Chief Judge that since we had called nine witnesses before the previous judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, we should wait for him to return and conclude the matter,” Obila said.
Obiano’s defence team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Onyechi Ikpeazu, did not oppose the request, and Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the trial indefinitely.
Obiano, who pleaded not guilty, faces charges of diverting state funds, including allegations that he transferred over ₦1.2 billion from the state’s security vote to a private company, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
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Security votes are meant strictly for government security operations.
During the trial, Bureau De Change operator Ayuba Tanko testified that he received ₦416 million through accounts linked to Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd., denying any direct interaction with Obiano.
Obiano’s lawyers had previously filed a motion to quash the charges, arguing there was no evidence of wrongdoing, but the court ruled the EFCC has the authority to investigate and prosecute financial offences.
The case has been delayed multiple times, including challenges to the court’s jurisdiction, which were struck out.
Obiano was placed on the EFCC watchlist and arrested at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after leaving office in 2022.
The trial will remain on hold until Justice Ekwo is available to resume proceedings, leaving the former governor’s legal battle in suspense.