Obiano’s trial stalled over jurisdiction challenge, adjourns till March 7

The trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been adjourned till March 7.

This came on the heels of his lawyer challenging the jurisdiction of the Abuja court to hear the case, instead of an Anambra court.

Obiano told the court that he couldn’t be prosecuted in Abuja for crimes he allegedly committed in Anambra State.

At yesterday’s proceedings, which were for the commencement of trial, Obiano’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, notified the trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, of a pending motion on notice, which questions the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

The court consequently adjourned the trial till Thursday, March 7, for the anti-graft agency, EFCC, to reply to a motion by Obiano.

The former Anambra governor pleaded not guilty to nine counts of money laundering and allegations of embezzling state funds to the tune of N4 billion during his tenure.

His lawyer argued that the trial should be held in Anambra for the interest of justice.