The EFCC stated that Anambra State Government's appeal regarding the trial of former governor Willie Obiano is not important because the government is not a defendant in the case.
Obiano revealed in a motion dated March 3 that the Anambra state government has filed an appeal contesting the EFCC's authority to investigate and try him.
The motion mentioned that the Anambra State Government has submitted an appeal challenging the EFCC's power to investigate the security vote of the state government.
The ex-Anambra governor also asked the court to dismiss the charges against him and claimed that the court didn't have the necessary authority to address matters related to accountability for security vote funds.
Obiano, who was charged on January 24, is facing trial on nine counts linked to an alleged N4bn theft.
The EFCC stated in its counter-affidavit that the mentioned appeal has no relevance to the charges against Obiano.
The anti-corruption agency also stated that the charges and evidence presented establish a strong case against Obiano.
In the Counter-affidavit submitted by Habu Fari, it was mentioned that the charges and evidence reveal a strong case against the Defendant.
The EFCC clarified that the appeal mentioned has no connection to the current charges and that the Anambra State Government is not involved in the proceedings.
The EFCC also mentioned that the charges against Obiano were not done with the intention of persecuting him.
The commission stated that the charges were brought in good faith, through a proper legal process, without any intention of persecution, and were a result of a serious investigation into economic and financial crimes.
The commission mentioned that the charges primarily concerned money laundering, which falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the court.
During the proceedings, the defendant's counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), submitted his processes and requested the court to grant his client’s prayers.
The EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to reject the defendant's application.
Tahir stated that security votes could be investigated for misappropriation.
Tahir urged the court to dismiss the defendant's application, emphasizing that security votes can be accounted for when misused like any other funds.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the ruling on Obaino’s application till April 18, 2024.
