The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the N4 billion money laundering trial of former Anambra State governor Willie Obiano.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted the adjournment on Tuesday following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) legal team, led by S.O. Obila.
The case, appearing before Justice Umar for the first time, was previously handled by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who is currently serving a one-year suspension imposed by the National Judicial Council for misconduct.
Obila told the court that he was acting on the instructions of the lead prosecuting counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), seeking an indefinite adjournment to allow Justice Ekwo to return and conclude the matter. He noted that nine witnesses had already been called before Justice Ekwo.
The defence, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not oppose the request. After hearing submissions, Justice Umar adjourned the case sine die, meaning it will remain on hold until the original judge is available.
Obiano was arraigned on January 24, 2024, by the EFCC, which accused him of laundering N4 billion in security votes allocated to Anambra State during his tenure. Before his arraignment, the EFCC had placed him on a watchlist shortly after he left office in 2022, leading to his arrest at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The trial has faced multiple delays, including challenges to the court’s jurisdiction. Recently, false reports circulated claiming Obiano had died in London, but he remains alive and residing in the United States.
The indefinite adjournment ensures that proceedings will not continue until Justice Ekwo returns to the bench.
