“I Received N416 Million,” BDC Operator Testifies in Ex-Governor Obiano’s Trial

In the ongoing trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, a bureau de change operator, Ayuba Tanko, testified on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, disclosing that he received N416 million between April and December 2017. The funds were reportedly transferred to an account linked to one of his companies and returned as a $1.137 million equivalent.

Mr. Tanko, the fifth prosecution witness in the case, appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where he was led in evidence by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Sylvanus Tahir. According to Tanko, who operates as a forex trader under Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, the transactions occurred in several tranches over eight months.

“I am a trader in foreign currency exchange,” Mr. Tanko explained, noting that he deals in dollars, euros, and pounds sterling and typically earns a commission through his services. He testified that the N416 million deposited into the Zigaziga Trading account was fully converted and returned as $1,137,000.

Under questioning from the EFCC, Mr. Tanko revealed he was first contacted by the agency in 2023 to clarify transactions associated with Zigaziga Trading’s account at a commercial bank. He maintained that beyond these transactions, he had no other business dealings with Mr. Obiano’s administration.

During cross-examination, Mr. Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, inquired if Mr. Tanko had any direct interactions with the former governor. Mr. Tanko replied, “I did not deal directly with the defendant,” suggesting the transactions were handled indirectly.

In addition to Tanko’s testimony, three bankers were called to testify on alleged money-laundering activities related to the case. Following the witness testimonies and cross-examinations, Justice Ekwo adjourned the trial, with further hearings scheduled for February 24, 25, and 26, 2025.