Ayuba Tanko, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, testified on Wednesday in the trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, revealing that between April and December 2017, N416 million was transferred to an account he operated by proxy. Testifying before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Ayuba explained that the funds were exchanged into $1.137 million.
Ayuba, the fifth prosecution witness, stated that he traded in USD, Euros, and pounds through Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd. He was summoned by the EFCC in 2023 for an investigation into Zigaziga Trading’s account. He noted that he had no direct dealings with Obiano.
During cross-examination, Obiano’s defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), confirmed that Ayuba had no personal interactions with the former governor. Additionally, three bankers testified in the ongoing money laundering case.
Justice Ekwo scheduled the next hearing for February 24, 25, and 26, 2025.
