Anambra Funds Diverted to Private Accounts, Witness Reveals in Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja heard startling revelations on Wednesday about the diversion of Anambra State funds into private companies’ accounts. The funds, originally from the state’s Security Vote Account, were allegedly moved under the administration of the former Governor, Willie Obiano.

Testifying at the resumed hearing of the money laundering case against Obiano, prosecution witness Ugochukwu Otubelu, a former banker, disclosed that he managed the Anambra State security vote account. Under questioning by prosecuting lawyer Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), Otubelu revealed that funds were transferred to private entities including Nazotal Ventures, C.I. Party Ventures Nigeria Limited, Moment of Peace Ventures, Youdoo Ventures, and Eazy Diamond Limited.

Otubelu testified that these transactions were directed by Obiano’s Principal Secretary, Willy Nwokoye, and the Government House Account signatory, Theophilus Nweze. He clarified that the money moved to these accounts was used to process transactions for the Principal Secretary, not the companies’ owners.

Further detailing his involvement, Otubelu recounted occasions where he personally delivered cash in both naira and U.S. dollars to Obiano, often encountering top security personnel during these transactions.

In a related testimony, Hayatu Adejo, a bureau de change operator, confirmed that funds from Anambra State were paid into his company’s account by a colleague named Ayuba, who purchased dollars from him. Adejo maintained that the transactions were legitimate business dealings, unaware that the funds originated from state accounts.

During cross-examination, defense lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) questioned Otubelu, who confirmed that the Anambra State Government neither opened nor operated the private accounts. He stated that it was Nwokoye who requested the accounts for discreet security transactions.

The court has adjourned further hearing of the case until October 7.