By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday April 18 2024, fixed April 24 ,25 ,26 and 27 for the commencement of hearing into the substantive suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission against the former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano over alleged misappropriation of public funds while in office.
This followed the dismissal of the application filed by Obiano seeking to stop his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC oveer charges bordering on an alleged money laundering to the tune of #40 billion while in office .
The former Anambra State Governor, had in the said application objecting to his trial, urged the trial Judge to dismiss the EFCC charges against him ,on the ground that the anti graft agency has failed to adduce sufficient and convincing evidence to back up its petition.
Similarly, Obiano had argued that there are no evidence to substantiate and or prove that he actually authorized the disbursement of security funds ,insisting that he can not be held personally liable for the actions and or inactions of government officials in Anambra state.
But while dismissing all the grounds upon which Obiano had earlier premised his objection , Justice Ekwo ,described the reliefs sort by the former Governor as premature,and ungrantable at this stage .
The trial Judged further noted that the court will only know if there are enough evidence against the accused and or not when the actual trial commences .
However, Justice Ekwo granted Obiano a period of 60 days to seek medical attention abroad . But the Judge said the medical leave will be effective ,only after the former Anambra state Governor must have signed an undertaking to return back to the country after the medical trip.
