From Godwin Tsa Abuja
The trial of a former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, resumed on Tuesday, where a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, Ayuba Tanko, told the Abuja division of the Federal High Court that between April and December 2017, a total sum of N416m was paid into his company’s account by proxy.
Ayuba, who was testifying as the fifth prosecution witness (PW5), told Justice Inyang Ekwo that the ₦416 million, which was received in tranches, was given back as 1.137 million US dollars equivalent.
The witness was being led in by the prosecution counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Slyvanus Tahir (SAN).
“I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange. I trade in USDs, Euros, and pound sterling. I do source for customers and I do exchange and collect commission,” he said.
The PW-5 said he used two companies: Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd for his business. He said he was invited by the EFCC, through its Investigation Department, in 2023 and was questioned about Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd’s account domiciled in one of the commercial banks.
When the senior lawyer asked him how much he received during the period, the witness said: “Between April 2017 to December 2017, the total money I received during that period was 416 million naira.”
“And I gave a dollar equivalent as 1,137,000.00 US dollars,” he added.
Ayuba said that besides this transaction, he did not do any other business with the Anambra government under Gov. Obiano. Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, during cross-examination, asked the PW-5 if he had ever had any dealings with the ex-governor directly. Ayuba replied: “I did not deal directly with the defendant.”
The prosecution counsel also called three bankers, who gave their testimonies in the alleged money laundering charge.
After the four witnesses testified and were cross-examined by Ikpeazu, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until February 24 to 26, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.