The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano over alleged money laundering to the tune of N4,008,573,350.
Obiano, who dressed in a navy blue suit with a black cap, was escorted into the courtroom by more than 10 operatives of the anti-graft agency on Wednesday.
The former governor appeared before the judge of a federal high court in Abuja, Inyang Ekwo.
Obiano pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.
Upon arraignment, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir prayed the court to remand the defendant in custody pending the commencement of trial.
Meanwhile, Obiano’s counsel, Onyinyechi Ikpeazu, told the court to grant bail to his client.
Ruling on the applications, Ekwo held that the defendant should enjoy bail on the administrative terms granted earlier by the EFCC.
He stated further that the defendant’s international passport should be transmitted to the court within 10 days.
The judge also directed the court registrar to inform the immigration service about the passport when it is transferred.
The case was subsequently adjourned to March 4 for the commencement of trial.
In September 2021, the All Progressives Congress in Anambra had asked the anti-graft agency to probe the state’s finances to unearth monumental deception.
Anambra APC chairman, Basil Ejidike, had alleged that Obiano was fraudulently using the state’s security vote.
