The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that the Anambra State Government was not a defendant in the trial of the former governor of the state, Willie Obiano, saying that the government’s appeal on the matter was irrelevant.
In a motion, Obiano had disclosed that the Anambra State Government had filed an appeal challenging the authority of the EFCC to investigate and try him.
The ex-Anambra governor also urged the court to quash the charges against him, adding that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security votes funds.
Obiano who was arraigned on January 24 is standing trial on nine charges bordering on N4bn fraud.
The EFCC, in its counter-affidavit to Obaino’s supporting affidavit for his motion on notice, stated that the referenced appeal has no relevance to the charges against Obiano.
The anti-corruption agency also said the charges and evidence presented against him establish a prima facie case against Obiano.
The EFCC also said the charges preferred against Obiano were devoid of witch-hunting.
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the counsel for the defendant, Onyechi Ikpeazu, adopted his processes and urged the court to grant his client’s prayers.
On his part, the EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s application.
He added that security votes could be probed when misappropriated.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo subsequently adjourned till April 18, 2024, for ruling on Obiano’s application.