the ex-governor will be arraigned on nine count charges.

The development comes over a week after the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede vowed to review all abandoned high-profile cases, especially those involving former Governors and Ministers.

An impeccable source revealed, “We found that Obiano moved N4,008,573,350 from security votes into different accounts. The money at various times was changed into dollars and returned to Obiano by cash.”

EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead eight other lawyers in the trial of the former governor

Some of the charges against Obiano include, “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 – March 2022, sometime between 7th February, 2018 to 18th February, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N156,800.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Pic into the Fidelity Bank Ple Account No: 6060018819 belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

“That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 — March 2022, sometime between 9th August, 2017 to 4th March, 2020 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N261,268,585.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc into the Fidelity Bank Plc Account No: 5600062873 belonging to Easy Diamond Integrated Link (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

EFCC’s lead counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, will lead eight other lawyers in the trial of the former governor

Some of the charges against Obiano include, “That you, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, whilst being the executive governor of Anambra State of Nigeria between March 2014 – March 2022, sometime between 7th February, 2018 to 18th February, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly transferred through Mr Willie Nwokoye, your then principal private secretary, the sum of N156,800.00 only from the Anambra State Government Security Vote Account No: 5030050875 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Pic into the Fidelity Bank Ple Account No: 6060018819 belonging to C.I. Patty Ventures Nigeria Limited (an entity that had no business relationship with the Anambra State Government), which funds were dissipated for purposes unrelated / unconnected with the security affairs of Anambra State, which you reasonably ought to have known that such funds formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: (Stealing and Corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

When contacted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed the development while noting that Obiano will be arraigned on Wednesday.

“Yes, we’re arraigning Obiano tomorrow,” Oyewale noted.

The ex-governor was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, on March 17, 2022, as he was preparing to board a flight to Houston, the United States of America.

The arrest took place at about 8.30 pm, hours after he left office as governor and, thus, lost his immunity from arrest and prosecution.

He had been on the EFCC’s watchlist for some time before he was eventually arrested over corruption allegations.

“Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote which was withdrawn in cash. Part of the funds was also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state,” EFCC had noted at the time.

Obiano, who is under investigation for N42 billion fraud, has been in the EFCC custody since Thursday when he was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State, while attempting to leave for the United States hours after handing over to his successor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.

But speaking to journalists on the sideline of the 5th Annual General Assembly meeting of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa in Abuja on Monday, Bawa explained that the commission was waiting for him to perfect his bail conditions.

Asked why the commission had kept the former governor in its custody, beyond the period allowed by the constitution, Bawa said, “Nothing political about the arrest of the former Anambra State Governor, Wille Obiano. He has been granted bail.”

The anti-graft agency boss insisted that there was nothing political about Obiano’s investigation.

“There is nothing political about the investigation. You know what the EFCC stands for. e investigate crimes, we look at people that have committed crimes and we link it up together and then we go to court.That is all we have been doing and that is what we will continue to do.We have been accused of media trial. But we will continue to do our investigations professionally, ” Bawa said.

The EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, made this known on Monday in Abuja while speaking to journalists on the sideline of the 5th Annual General Assembly meeting of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa.

The commission’s boss said Obiano had yet to perfect the conditions the EFCC stipulated for his release on bail.

Recall that Obiano, who is under investigation for N42 billion fraud, has been in EFCC custody since Thursday when he was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to leave for the United States.

Bawa explained that the commission was waiting for him to perfect his bail.

Explaining why the Ex-governor was kept in the custody beyond the period allowed by the constitution, Bawa said, “Nothing political about the arrest of the former Anambra State Governor, Wille Obiano. He has been granted bail.”

The EFCC boss, however did not disclose the details of the bail.

In an exclusive chat with our correspondent, the EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, noted that Obiano was transferred to Abuja on Friday morning.

Obiano was arrested by the EFCC on Thursday night hours after his handover to the new Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

However, reports emerged on Friday morning that Obiano had been released from the EFCC custody.

The EFCC PRO stated that the reports were false and that the ex-governor was still with the commission.

“He’s still with the commission. He was even transferred from Lagos to Abuja this morning,” Uwujaren said.

Uwujaren, however, did not state whether the ex-governor was arrested alongside his wife, Ebelechukwu.

EFCC operatives picked up Obiano at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, around 08:30pm. The ex-governor, who had been on the watch list of the EFCC since November 15, 2021, was arrested while trying to board a flight to the United States.

The arrest occurred hours after his wife was reportedly slapped by the widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Bianca at the inauguration of Soludo as the governor of the state.

It was learnt that Obiano was arrested for allegedly mismanaging over N17bn Paris Club refund and security vote.

He is also being probed over some suspicious projects, including the Umueri International Airport project whose cost was believed to be inflated.

The initiative, run by the state’s ministry of youth empowerment and creative economy, was launched in 2018 and aimed at empowering youths to be financially independent.

The Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Theresa Obiekezie, stated this during the graduating ceremony of the Fifth Batch of the training programme.

Obiekezie said no fewer than 10,000 youths, have so far, benefited from the programme, with a Trade Test Certificate from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and start-up packs.

According to her, the programme will be the last as a new administration would be taking over next month.

She said, “As you all know, in one month time, the present administration will come to an end. We are closing down this programme as the next administration of Prof Chukwuma Soludo, might not want to continue with it.”

The training covers confectioneries, barbing, cosmetology, shoe making and Solar and CCTV production and repair. The graduates were trained at three different centres in the three senatorial districts of Anambra State.

Making the clarification on Sunday, January 2, during a thank you visit Governor Obiano at his country home in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Soludo stated that the incumbent Governor’s interest is to project Anambra high.

He said “Governor Obiano’s interest is to project Anambra high. His obsession is to ensure that I continue with the good works he has done in the state. My deputy and I will work hard, every minute of the day to make him proud and make Anambra proud too. I say thank you a billion times for your support. There would have been a dozen and one reason to walk away from me, but you were resolute. Your expectations to make Anambra proud must be met. Some believed that APGA would die this administration, but God intervened”

The governor announced this during his state-wide broadcast after the harvest of killings in the state by gunmen.

Recall that Dr Chike was murdered by unknown gunmen in Onitsha on Tuesday, September 28.

Speaking at a press conference, Governor Obiano said security operatives should step up their security network, adding that his administration would no longer tolerate further killings. He said no fewer than 10 persons were killed by gunmen, including one of the influential sons of the State, Dr Chike Akunyili

He said “To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce an N20,000,000 reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our state. The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge citizens to report to us anybody bearing a firearm who is not a security or vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all. I wish to most heartily condole with the families of all those who have lost their loved ones in the course of these senseless attacks. I promise you that we will leave no stone unturned in getting justice for them. May their souls rest in peace. Finally, I urge all citizens of the state to unite in this fight against all forms of terror, intimidation and tyranny. We will not succumb to invaders as I am convinced that no Anambra son will indulge in this kind of heartlessness. I warn all those promoting and participating in these violent attacks to leave our state or pay a high price as we will definitely catch up with them. Since last weekend, some armed persons have unleashed terror with sporadic attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the State. From the briefings, I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties. Between Sunday 26th and 28th September 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about 10. people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor. These attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must stop now. I have therefore conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all security agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land.”

The meeting had in attendance nine governors and seven deputies Governors. 

The meeting holding at Enugu Government lodge had in attendance Governors of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu; Rivers State Nyesom Wike; Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola; Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa and Bayelsa state, Doye Diri are present in the meeting.

Also, the governor of Ogun state Dapo Abiodun, and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Emmanuel Udom were in attendance. 

Earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi was represented by his deputy Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde was also represented by his deputy, Rauf Olaniyan.

Other deputy Governors who represented their principals are Cross River Prof. Evara Esu, Abia State, Ude Okochukwu; Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe; Edo State, Philip Shuaibu and Imo state, Placid Njoku.

The governors were first ushered into a security guard of honour, and were later received by the host Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the government lodge, where the meeting is holding.

Among the agenda expected to be discussed, the governors will deliberate on the controversial Anti-Open Grazing law and zoning of the 2023 Presidency.

Moreso, the meeting is expected to address some of the issues raised in the last two meetings held in Delta and Lagos states such as the security situation in the country. 

It was gathered that the meeting, which would hold eight weeks after the governors met in Asaba, the Delta State capital, would further assess decisions taken in Asaba on the open grazing ban, restructuring, fiscal federalism and the call for state police.

The governors would be hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the meeting which would start by 10 am today (Monday).

Aside from the host governor, others expected at the meeting are Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Diri Duoye (Bayelsa), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Ben Ayade (Cross Rivers), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Oluwaseyi Makinde (Oyo), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers).

The report said the Federal Government only gave the state the patent to run a domestic airport.

But a statement on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, CC-Don Adinuba, described the story as false and the handwork of detractors.

The statement reads in part, “As the first commercial plane is scheduled to land at Anambra International Cargo/Passenger Airport on April 30, 2021, to test-run the facilities at the airport, a faceless group of hired propaganda guns has crafted and posted on the Internet a so-called report that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Aviation, has refused to give the Anambra State Government a licence to operate an international airport but has rather offered the state a licence to run a domestic airport. The scammers attributed the purported decision to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Sirika Hadi, a well-respected captain and administrator. The news report is, of course, false, misleading and mischievous. The report fails to state when the Minister announced the alleged decision, how and to whom. In other words, it fails the basic requirements of a news report. Yet, we are compelled to refute the substandard report because of the anxiety it has created in millions of Nigerians, particularly Anambra people across the globe who cannot wait to make use of the airport. Anambra International Cargo/Passenger Airport remains an international airport. It will be inaugurated at the appropriate time this year.  Its facilities are strong and built to global standards. The facilities are big enough to accommodate the biggest aircraft in the world.”