Former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has pleaded not guilty a nine- count charge of money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing and corruption to the tune of N4billion brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Obiano was charged before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him. Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, asked for a trial date and prayed the court for the remand of the defendant in prison pending the date of the trial.
Counsel to the defendant, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, drew the attention of the court to a bail application before the court.
While ruling on the bail application, Justice Ekwo, asked the prosecution to provide the particulars of the administrative bail granted the defendant by the EFCC, stating that the court would adopt the terms of the bail.
The court also ordered that the defendant’s passport and traveling documents be kept in the custody of the court and the Nigeria Immigration Service be notified of the arrangements.
Justice Ekwo also ordered the defendant not to travel outside jurisdiction without the permission of the court and adjourned the matter to March 4, 5,6 and 7, 2024 for trial.
