Court Adjourns Obiano’s N4bn Fraud Trial Sine Die

The Federal High Court in Abuja has suspended further proceedings in the N4 billion fraud case involving former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At Tuesday’s hearing—his first time handling the matter—Justice Mohammed Umar granted the prosecution’s application for an indefinite adjournment. The case was recently transferred to Justice Umar after the National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended the former trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, earlier this year.

EFCC counsel, S.O. Obila, informed the court that the lead prosecutor, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), had directed him to seek an adjournment without a fixed date.

He explained that nine witnesses had already testified before Justice Ekwo, and the prosecution preferred to wait for the suspended judge to return and conclude the case rather than recalling all witnesses.

“In view of the circumstances, the lead counsel has instructed that we apply to the Chief Judge for the matter to remain pending until Justice Ekwo resumes, since he has already taken evidence from nine witnesses,” Obila told the court.

Counsel to Mr Obiano, Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), said he had no objection to the request, noting that the prosecution had briefed him on the challenges of bringing back witnesses who had previously testified.

Following the submissions from both sides, Justice Umar ordered the case adjourned indefinitely, leaving its next court date uncertain until further directives are issued.