By Stephen — Dalena Reporters
November 25, 2025
ABUJA — In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, accused of laundering ₦4 billion while in office. The adjournment came after the prosecuting agency — the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — requested the case be suspended until the original presiding judge returns.
The matter was called before a new judge, Mohammed Umar, for the first time on Tuesday. EFCC counsel, Mr. S.O. Obila, informed the court that the lead prosecutor had instructed that the trial should wait until the return of the former judge, Inyang Ekwo, who had already heard testimony from nine witnesses before his suspension.
The defence, led by Mr. Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not object to the request. Consequent to the application, Justice Umar adjourned the case “sine die” — with no new date set for continuation.
Obiano was first arraigned on January 24, 2024, on a nine-count charge of money laundering, theft and corruption. The allegations claim that he illegally diverted funds from Anambra’s “security vote” — monthly allocations intended for the state’s security needs — into private entities and converted part of the funds into foreign currency. The EFCC asserts that over ₦4 billion was misappropriated between April 2017 and March 2022.
During earlier proceedings, one of the prosecution’s key witnesses — a Bureau de Change operator — admitted receiving ₦416 million from proxy accounts linked to the state’s security vote, funds allegedly converted into U.S. dollars. However, under cross-examination, he denied having dealt directly with Obiano.
The indefinite adjournment has raised concern among observers who fear that significant delays may undermine the momentum of the prosecution’s case. With nine witnesses already having testified, the decision to pause proceedings until the original judge resumes has drawn criticism from civil-society groups demanding accountability and prompt justice.
As of now, it remains unclear when the trial will restart. Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates.