Legal Updates

Former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano Seeks Dismissal of N40 Billion Corruption Charges

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano Seeks Dismissal of N40 Billion Corruption Charges

Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, has filed a motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the dismissal of N40 billion corruption charges brought against him by the federal government. In his motion before Justice Inyang Ekwo, Obiano cited a pending appeal by the Anambra state government challenging the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the funds in question.

Represented by his lead counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Obiano argued that there was a lack of nexus between the evidence provided and the allegations against him. He firmly contended that he could not be held accountable for the actions of Anambra state government officials, asserting the absence of vicarious liability in the criminal justice system.

Unravelling the Legal Strategy and Political Impacts of Obiano’s Corruption Charges

The EFCC laid nine charges against Obiano, including nine counts of money laundering amounting to N40 billion and accusations of unlawful cash transactions exceeding permissible legal limits. Obiano’s defence highlights a significant contention over jurisdiction and the sufficiency of the evidence in the case.

The court has granted Obiano two days to respond to the EFCC’s counter-affidavit, with further proceedings scheduled for March 13. This development underscores the complex legal battle surrounding the alleged corruption scandal, which continues to draw nationwide attention within legal and political circles.

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