Obiano’s trial: I received N416m, BDC operator tells court

A Bureau De Change (BDC) Operator, Ayuba Tanko, says between April and December 2017, a total sum of N416 million was paid into a company’s account he used, by proxy, in the ongoing trial of former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Willie Obiano.
Ayuba told Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN.
Ayuba, who was the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), said the N416 million which was received in tranches, was given back as $1.137 million equivalent.
“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 at the period, the witness said: “Between April 2017 to December 2017, the total money I received at that period was N416 million.
“And I gave a dollar equivalent as $1,137, 000.00,” he said.
Ayuba said besides this transaction, he did not do any other business with the Anambra government under Obiano.
Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, during cross examination, asked the PW-5 if he had ever had any dealing with the ex-governor directly, Ayuba said: “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, 25 and 26, 2025 for continuation of trial.