BDC operator testifies in former Governor Obiano’s trial: I received N416 million in eight months

Bureau De Change (BDC) operative and prosecution witness in the ongoing money laundering case of former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, Ayuba Tanko, has said that between April and December 2017, N416 million was paid into the account of a company he used as a proxy.

Mr. Ayuba told Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, while being led in evidence by the Advocate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sylvanus Tahir, SAN.

He is the fifth witness in the case.

Mr Ayuba said the N416 million received in tranches was given back as the equivalent of US$1,137 million.

“I am a merchant. I trade on the Forex exchange. I trade in USD, Euro and sterling. “I source, trade and collect commissions for customers,” he said.

The witness said he operated his business through two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd.

He said he was invited by the EFCC through its Investigation Department in 2023 and questioned about the account of Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, which was located in one of the commercial banks.

When the lawyer asked how much he received during the period, the witness said, “Between April 2017 and December 2017, the total money I received during that period was 416 million naira.

“So I gave one dollar for $1,137,000.00,” he said.

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Mr. Ayuba said apart from this transaction, Mr. Obiano did not do any other business with the Anambra State Government during his administration.

Mr. Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, during cross-examination, asked the witness whether he had any direct relationship with the former governor; “I did not directly deal with the accused,” Mr. Ayuba said.

The prosecution lawyer also summoned three bankers who testified on the money laundering charges.

After the four witnesses gave evidence and were cross-examined by Mr Ikpeazu, Mr Ekwo adjourned the matter to 24 February, 25 February and 26 February 2025 for further hearing.

(NA)