Former Anambra State Governor, Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, lost his bid to stop his trial in a N40 billion money laundering case.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Obiano’s application, which sought to quash the charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Obiano had argued that there was no connection between the proof of evidence supplied to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the accusations against him. He claimed that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that he issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra State Government. He also argued that he could not be held accountable for any alleged unlawful actions by officials of the Anambra State Government as there is no concept of vicarious liability in the criminal justice system.
However, the Judge faulted and rejected all grounds upon which Obiano’s application was predicated. The trial is related to a 9-count charge instituted against him by the EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government.
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