Obiano granted bail after arraignment for money laundering

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to the former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano after being arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations of money laundering.

Obiano who appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo, on Wednesday, 24, January pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge leveled against him by the EFCC. 

During the hearing, the EFCC’s attorney, Sylvanus Tahir asked the court not to grant him bail until the trial began; however, Onyinyechi Ikpeazu, counsel to Obiano, prayed the court to grant his client bail.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo decided that the defendant be granted bail based on the administrative terms the EFCC had set. He said the defendant’s international passport should be submitted to the court within 10 days and further instructed the court registrar to notify immigration authorities of his passport transfer. 

The case was adjourned to March 4 for commencement of trial. The ex governor is standing trial following an accusation by the Anambra All Progressives Congress of “fraudulently” using the state’s security vote.

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