Alleged N4bn fraud: BDC operator testifies on N416 million paid to Obiano-linked company

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Ayuba Tanko, a Bureau De Change operator, has testified that he received N416 million in 2017 from Anambra government under the then leadership of Governor Willie Obiano
Tanko explained to the court that he conducted his business through two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, and did not engage in any other transactions with Obiano's government
Obiano, apprehended by the EFCC in 2023, is accused of money laundering and that he had allegedly diverted public funds of over N4 billion during his term as Anambra governor

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

A Bureau De Change (BDC) Operator, Ayuba Tanko, has revealed to the court that between April and December 2017, N416 million was paid into a company account he used, by proxy, when former Governor Willie Obiano was in charge of Anambra state.

Ayuba made this disclosure to Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, November 13, while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN.

The EFCC presented Ayuba as the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5) in the ongoing money laundering trial involving Obiano.

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 US dollars equivalent.

“I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange. I trade in USDs, Euros and pounce sterling. I do source for customers and I do exchange and collect commission,” he said.

As reported by Daily Trust, the PW-5 said he used two companies; Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd for his business.

Ayuba said:

“Between April 2017 and December 2017, the total money I received at that period was 416 million in naira. And I gave a dollar equivalent as 1, 137,000.00 US dollars.”

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.”

As reported by The Guardian, after the four witnesses testified in the alleged money laundering charge, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until February 24, 25 and 26, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Legit.ng reported that Obiano and three other former Nigerian governors are in court with the EFCC over N248bn fraud.

Read more about EFCC, Obiano's case here:

Lagos Gov Sanwo-Olu says "EFCC is not investigating me"

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, denied the report that his government filed a lawsuit against the EFCC over a planned prosecution after leaving office.

Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, made the clarification in a statement, adding that the EFCC is not investigating the governor.

There was an earlier report that Governor Sanwo-Olu had filed a lawsuit against EFCC harassment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Source: Legit.ng

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