Fresh updates have surfaced revealing that former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, is very much alive, directly countering earlier widespread claims announcing his alleged death.
Earlier in the day, an online publication reported that Obiano’s family had supposedly confirmed his passing after a prolonged struggle with severe heart failure and complications said to be related to urinary cancer.
Confusion as Reports Conflict Over Obiano’s Health
The initial report claimed that close relatives disclosed how his health had deteriorated for months before a sudden collapse reportedly led to his “death.”
It even quoted an unnamed senior family member as saying, “[b]His health had been declining in the past months, but the final collapse came suddenly. We are devastated.”
Aide Strongly Denies Death Rumours
However, a new update from one of Obiano’s aides has firmly debunked the circulating rumours.
According to the aide, Chief Willie Obiano is alive, healthy, and not hospitalized. He further stressed that contrary to the claims that he was in London, the former governor is currently residing in the United States and not in any critical condition.
Pending EFCC Case Before the Death Rumour Emerged
Before the false report of his alleged death spread, Obiano was scheduled to appear in court on 25 November at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He is facing trial over an alleged N4 billion money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The nine-count charge against him was recently reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar for continued hearing.
Obiano served as Governor of Anambra State from March 2014 until March 2022.
Witness Statements From Earlier Court Proceedings
The EFCC accuses the former governor of mismanaging state funds amounting to over N4 billion during his administration.
During the court session on 7 October 2024, the EFCC presented two witnesses before Justice Ekwo to testify regarding the financial transactions carried out under Obiano’s tenure.
One of the witnesses, Mr. Ugochukwu Otubelu, a former employee of a commercial bank, detailed how he managed the security vote account associated with Obiano’s government.
Otubelu previously worked with the bank from November 2008 to March 2023 before transitioning into private business.
How the Security Vote Account Was Operated
According to Otubelu’s testimony, the security vote account had two authorized signatories — the former Principal Secretary, Willy Nwokoye, and the Accountant, Theophilus Nweze.
He stated that he interacted with both signatories either daily or weekly, depending on the volume and urgency of transactions being processed at the time.