EFCC Accuses Obiano of Evading Court Process in N40bn Fraud Trial
Comprehensive News Rewrite:
The trial of former Anambra State governor, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, in the alleged N40 billion fraud case faced a setback as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of evading court summons at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During the court session on Thursday, the lead counsel representing the EFCC, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir, raised concerns about Obiano’s avoidance of court proceedings. Tahir informed Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo that despite efforts to serve the former governor with court documents, Obiano had eluded service.
Tahir disclosed that despite complying with the court’s order by filing a counter affidavit opposing Obiano’s challenge to the court’s territorial jurisdiction, his attempts to serve the documents to Obiano’s legal team were unsuccessful. He recounted how his team visited the chambers of Obiano’s lead counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, only to find the office locked, with the lawyers reportedly absent due to obligations at a Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
Due to the failed attempts to serve Obiano’s legal team, Tahir informed the court that he managed to deliver the counter affidavit to Obiano within the courtroom on Thursday, urging the court to proceed with hearing Obiano’s motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction alongside the counter affidavit.
In response, Patrick Ikweto SAN, representing Obiano, acknowledged receipt of the counter affidavit and requested an adjournment to enable him to respond adequately. Justice Ekwo granted the request and scheduled the hearing of Obiano’s motion on territorial jurisdiction for March 13.
Obiano, who served two terms as governor of Anambra State, faces charges of embezzlement totaling N40 billion. The charges include allegations of indirectly transferring state funds for unauthorized purposes, as outlined in the case against him.
The specific charge against Obiano states that he, while serving as governor, facilitated the transfer of funds from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account to an account belonging to Easy Diamond Integrated Link, an entity unrelated to the state government’s affairs. These funds were allegedly misappropriated, constituting offenses under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the gravity of allegations against Obiano and the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged financial misconduct during his tenure.
