Former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano has been granted bail after being arraigned on nine counts of laundering approximately N4billion. Obiano pleaded not guilty during the proceedings of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
After the taking of Obiano’s plea, the prosecuting lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) applied for the remand of the former governor in custody pending the commencement of trial.
However, the defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) sought to move Obiano’s bail application, but Tahir said he was just served the application and needed time to respond.
At that point, Justice Inyang Ekwo inquired from Tahir if Obiano was earlier granted bail. And, in response, Tahir said the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) granted Obiano conditional administrative bail.
Ruling, Justice Ekwo admitted Obiano to bail on the same conditions earlier given by the EFCC.
He ordered the EFCC to transfer all the documents relating to the bail conditions to the court within seven days.
The judge ordered Obiano not to travel outside jurisdiction without the court’s permission, to deposit his travel documents with the court, following which the court will notify the Immigration Service about the restriction on his movement outside jurisdiction.
Justice Ekwo adjourned till March 4 for the commencement of trial.