Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has reportedly died in London, United Kingdom.
Family sources confirmed that he passed away after a long struggle with severe heart failure and complications linked to urinary cancer.
His relatives said his health had declined for months, but the final setback came without warning.
A senior family member said, “His health had been declining in the past months, but the final collapse came suddenly. We are devastated.”
Medical Care in London
Medical staff in London revealed that Obiano received intensive treatment before his condition became critical.
A hospital source noted that “He fought till the very last moment.”
Ongoing EFCC Case Before His Death
Before his death, Obiano was due to face trial on 25 November at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He was standing trial for an alleged N4 billion money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The matter, which involved nine counts, was recently moved to Justice Mohammed Umar.
Obiano ruled Anambra State from March 2014 to March 2022.
Witness Testimony in Previous Court Session
The former governor was accused of mismanaging over N4 billion belonging to the state.
During a hearing on 7 October 2024, the EFCC presented two witnesses before Justice Ekwo.
One witness, Mr Ugochukwu Otubelu, a former commercial bank employee, explained how he handled the security vote account under Obiano’s administration.
Otubelu worked with the bank from November 2008 to March 2023, but he now runs a private business.
Details About Security Vote Account
According to Otubelu, the security vote account had two signatories, the former Principal Secretary, Willy Nwokoye, and the Accountant, Theophilus Nweze.
He said he related with both men daily or weekly while processing their transactions.