In the ongoing trial of Mr. Willie Obiano, former governor of Anambra State, the lead prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, voiced concerns on Thursday, March 7, 2024, regarding what he described as evasive maneuvers by Obiano’s defense team in responding to the prosecution’s service of a counter-affidavit.
Mr. Obiano faces charges brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), relating to allegations of embezzlement and money laundering amounting to N4 billion. The trial is being conducted before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During the court session on Thursday, Tahir informed the court that the prosecution attempted to serve a motion on notice to the lead defense counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, as ordered by the court during its sitting on Monday, March 4, 2024. However, they encountered difficulty as the chambers of the lead defense counsel were found to be locked, denying access to the prosecution team.
Tahir elaborated on the situation, stating, “Despite our efforts to serve the necessary documents within the stipulated time frame, we were unable to gain entry into the chambers of the lead senior counsel. Despite attempts to contact them, we were unable to effectuate service until this morning.”
Patrick Ikweto, SAN, representing the defense, did not refute the allegations. He acknowledged that the prosecution had only served their counter-affidavit on Thursday morning and requested an adjournment to adequately respond.
It is worth noting that on March 4, Ikpeazu filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of Justice Ekwo’s court to preside over Obiano’s trial, prompting the prosecution to request time to prepare a counter-motion. However, due to delays in service, the hearing scheduled for Thursday could not proceed as planned.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the case, Justice Ekwo set the final hearing on Obiano’s motion regarding jurisdiction for March 13, 2024.
