An Abuja Federal High Court has granted former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, bail after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
EFCC had arraigned Obiano on a nine-count charge for allegedly laundering the sum of N4 billion.
But Justice Inyang Ekwo granted him bail after the former governor pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.
Upon arraignment, Sylvanus Tahir, EFCC counsel, prayed the court to remand the defendant in custody pending the commencement of trial.
But Onyinyechi Ikpeazu, Obiano’s counsel, asked the court to grant bail to his client.
Ruling on the applications, the judge said Obiano should enjoy bail on the administrative terms granted earlier by the EFCC.
He added that the defendant’s international passport should be transmitted to the court within 10 days.
In September 2021, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra had called on the EFCC to probe the state’s finances to unearth “monumental deception”.
Basil Ejidike, Anambra APC chairman, had alleged that Obiano was “fraudulently” using the state’s security vote.
