The former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has been granted bail after being arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a nine-count charge, accusing him of laundering about N4 billion. Obiano pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecuting lawyer Sylvanus Tahir requested the court to remand Obiano in custody pending the commencement of the trial.

However, defense lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu moved a bail application, which the prosecution needed time to respond to.

Justice Inyang Ekwo inquired if Obiano was previously granted bail, to which Tahir explained that the EFCC had granted him conditional administrative bail.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Ekwo admitted Obiano to bail under the same conditions given by the EFCC.

Obiano is ordered not to travel outside the jurisdiction without the court’s permission, deposit his travel documents with the court, and the Immigration Service will be notified about the restriction on his movement outside the jurisdiction.

The trial is scheduled to commence on March 4.