By Peter Omopo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has placed an indefinite halt on the N4 billion money laundering trial of former Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano.
The development followed a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday. The anti-graft agency, represented by lawyer S.O. Obila, asked the court to adjourn the matter sine die pending the return of Justice Inyang Ekwo — the judge previously handling the case — who is currently serving a one-year suspension for judicial misconduct.
Appearing before Justice Mohammed Umar, the new presiding judge, Obila explained that the lead prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), instructed him to seek the adjournment since nine witnesses had already testified before Justice Ekwo.
“In light of this, I have the instruction of the lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), to apply that since nine witnesses had been called before the previous judge, we should wait for him to return and conclude the matter,” Obila told the court.
The defence team, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not oppose the application.
After listening to both sides, Justice Umar agreed and adjourned the case indefinitely.
Obiano was arraigned on January 24, 2024, over allegations that he laundered N4 billion in security vote funds allocated to Anambra State during his eight-year tenure. The EFCC had placed him on a watchlist in 2022 shortly after he left office, leading to his arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The trial has suffered several delays, including challenges raised by Obiano questioning the court’s jurisdiction.
The former governor recently returned to public attention when false reports surfaced alleging he had died in London. His associates later clarified that he is alive and residing in the United States.
With the latest adjournment, the case will remain dormant until Justice Ekwo completes his suspension and resumes judicial duties.
