Anambra State Government was not named as a defendant in the prosecution of former governor Willie Obiano, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which also stated that the government’s appeal on the issue was not significant.

In a motion dated March 3, Obiano revealed that the state of Anambra has filed an appeal contesting the EFCC’s jurisdiction to look into and prosecute him.

“There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government,” the motion partly read.

In addition, the former governor of Anambra implored the court to drop the accusations against him, arguing that it lacked the necessary authority to consider matters pertaining to accountability for cash used for security votes.

Following his arraignment on January 24, Obiano faces nine charges related to suspected theft of N4 billion.

The EFCC claimed that the cited appeal was unrelated to Obiano’s accusations in its counter-affidavit to Obaino’s supporting affidavit for his notice motion.

The allegations and supporting documentation against Obaino, according to the anti-corruption agency, create a first impression case against him.

The Counter-affidavit disposed to by one Habu Fari partly read, “Contrary to the depositions contained in paragraphs 5 (v) and (vi) of the Defendant’s affidavit, the charge and the proofs of evidence disclose a prima facie case and link the Defendant with the allegations constituted in the Charge

“That the deposition contained in paragraph 5 (xi) of the affidavit in support of Motion, Anambra State Government is not a Defendant in the instant proceedings and the Defendant is not Anambra State. The appeal alluded to have no bearing or relationship with the Instant.

The EFCC also said the charges preferred against Obiano were devoid of witch-hunting.

“Contrary to the deposition in paragraphs, 5(xii), (xii), (xiv), (xv), (v) (xvii) and (xviii), the instant Charge is brought bonafide, Initiated through due legal process, devoid of witch hunting, precise, unassailable and borne out of the process of a serious investigation as a call to duty to fight economic and financial crimes.

“That the counts constituted in the Charge all border on money laundering which this Honorable Court has exclusive jurisdiction to try.”the commission said.

Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the defendant’s attorney, adopted his processes and asked the court to hear his client’s prayers during the hearings on Wednesday.

Sylvanus Tahir, the EFCC’s attorney, requested the court to reject the defendant’s application.