The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 25, 2025, for the continuation of the trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, over an alleged ₦4 billion money laundering case.

 

The adjournment followed the court session on Thursday, where the new trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, rose after delivering three judgments and attending to several matters on the cause list.

 

The nine-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was recently re-assigned to Justice Umar after it was previously handled by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who had earlier fixed May 26 for the continuation of the trial.

 

However, with the reassignment by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Umar’s transfer from the Enugu division, the May 26 date was vacated, and the matter was listed for mention on July 24.

 

Obiano, who served as governor from March 2014 to March 2022, is accused of misappropriating over ₦4 billion from the Anambra State treasury, particularly through the misuse of security votes.

 

During earlier proceedings in 2024, the EFCC, represented by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, presented multiple witnesses to establish its case.

 

Witness Testimonies

 

Ugochukwu Otubelu, a former commercial bank staff who served as Prosecution Witness 3 (PW-3), testified about managing the security vote account during Obiano’s tenure. He stated that he regularly interfaced with Willie Nwokoye, former Principal Secretary to the governor, and Theophilus Nweze, the accountant, in handling transactions.

He further disclosed that funds from the account were transferred to six companies’ accounts, although the actual account holders did not receive the money directly.

 

Hayatu Hadejia, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator and PW-4, told the court he was invited as part of EFCC’s investigation. He runs five BDC companies and confirmed involvement in financial transactions linked to Obiano’s administration.

 

On November 13, 2024, another BDC operator, Ayuba Tanko (PW-5), testified that between April and December 2017, he received ₦416 million, paid in tranches into a company account he operated. He returned the sum as $1.137 million in U.S. dollar equivalent.

Tanko used two entities: Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, and was later questioned by the EFCC in 2023.

 

During cross-examination by Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Ayuba confirmed he never dealt directly with the former governor.

 

 

Additionally, three bankers were called as prosecution witnesses and gave testimonies related to the alleged laundering activities.

 

The EFCC is expected to present further evidence and witnesses when the trial resumes in November.