The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of former Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, over allegations of N4 billion corruption.
The adjournment, granted on Tuesday by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, came at the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which filed the criminal charges against Obiano on behalf of the federal government.
Obiano was absent from the court proceedings, and no explanation was provided for his nonappearance.
EFCC counsel, Simon Obila, who represented Sylvanus Tahir SAN, informed the court that the trial, which began about two years ago before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, had already seen the testimony of nine witnesses. Obila urged that the case be adjourned indefinitely to allow the trial to resume before Justice Ekwo, rather than starting anew before the new judge, citing potential procedural challenges.
Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, representing Obiano, did not oppose the request, acknowledging the difficulties the EFCC might face if the trial were restarted.
Following submissions from both parties, Justice Umar granted the EFCC’s request and adjourned the trial indefinitely.