A former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has filed an application at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking the quashing of nine-count money laundering charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Specifically, Obiano, through his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), based his application on the ground that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the criminal charge filed against him.
When the matter came up on Monday, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), representing the EFCC, informed the court that he had three witnesses to call against the former governor.
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But Ikpeazu interjected and informed the trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, that he filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit instituted by the EFCC.
The defendant’s lawyer told the court to exercise its discretion to determine the motion first before the commencement of trial. It was Ikpeazu’s contention that Obiano be tried before a High Court in Anambra State in the interest of justice, rather than Abuja.
However, the EFCC lawyer confirmed to the court that he was served with the said motion on notice in the open court.
“This is a blatant waste of time,” Tahir stated, but Justice Ekwo cut him short by saying the court should be in a better position to decide on the motion. Subsequently, lawyers agreed to return on March 7, to exchange processes in respect of the motion on notice.
“Case adjourned to March 7, for motion on notice of the defendant challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter,” Justice Ekwo held.
Recall that Obiano had pleaded not guilty after he was arraigned on January 24, and was subsequently granted bail based on the terms of an earlier administrative bail, granted to him by the EFCC.
The terms of the bail included the seizure of his international passport, and a directive restraining him from travelling outside the country without the permission of the court.
The court also directed the EFCC to forward to it, details of those who stood as Obiano’s surety.