The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its money laundering trial against the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. Obiano faces nine counts of stealing the state’s security votes amounting to N4 billion during his tenure from March 2014 to March 2022.

During the trial, the EFCC presented two witnesses: a bank manager, Mr. Tochukwu Nnadi, and an Onitsha-based businesswoman, Patricia Egbunam. Led by EFCC lawyer Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), Nnadi testified as the first prosecution witness, stating his familiarity with Obiano and detailing the state’s various accounts with his bank, including the security vote account.

He explained that this account was primarily funded by the office of the Accountant General of the state, with most funds coming from internally generated revenue and payments made weekly.

Nnadi noted that payments from the account were made to various entities based on instructions from the account operators. However, when asked to name the beneficiaries in court, he declined, citing his oath of secrecy. He submitted several documents to the EFCC, including certified true copies of account statements and account-opening packages, which were admitted as evidence by the court.

The second prosecution witness, Egbunam, testified about her business in Turkey wears and her summons to the EFCC regarding money that passed through her company’s account.

She stated that she was unaware of N156.8 million passing through her account from the Anambra State government, attributing the account’s upgrade to her account officer for travel purposes. She emphasized that she had no personal dealings with Obiano.

The defense lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), reserved objections to the exhibits for the final address. Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the hearing to Wednesday (today).