Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, the former governor of Anambra State, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he is not subject to prosecution in Abuja for alleged fraud offenses he committed in Anambra State.
In addition to directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, to reroute the criminal case to the proper location in Anambra, he asked the court to deny jurisdiction to prosecute the fraud accusations.
Before any trial could start, Obiano, through his attorney, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, insisted that the proper forum for addressing the money laundering charges brought against him be determined.
The former governor of Anambra State, who held office for two terms, was charged with embezzling ₦40 billion in public funds.
Sylvanus Tahir, the attorney for the EFCC, informed the court during the Monday’s hearings that he would be calling three witnesses to testify against the governor.
Related News
EFCC, JTF Arrest 115 Suspected Currency Racketeers in Enugu, Recover N110m, $8,368
EFCC Arrests Two Chinese Nationals and an Accomplice for Illegal Mining Activities
However, Ikpeazu Onyechi informed the judge that he had filed a motion contesting the court’s authority to hold the EFCC trial in Abuja.
Before the start of any trial, he requested that the court use its discretion to decide his motion.
Tahir, the attorney for the EFCC, attested to the court that the defendant had served him with the aforementioned motion on notice.
“This is a blatant waste of time, “Tahir contended but Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo interjected and asked him to allow the court to decide the motion on its merit.
The attorneys then decided to meet again in court on Thursday to discuss the motion on notice and exchange procedures.
After upon, Justice Ekwo postponed the case to March 7 in order to decide on a notice motion.
