Ayuba Tanko, a bureau de change (BDC) operator and prosecution witness in the money laundering trial of former Anambra State governor Willie Obiano, testified that N416 million was paid into a company account he managed as a proxy between April and December 2017.
Testifying before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mr. Ayuba, the fifth prosecution witness, recounted that the N416 million received in instalments was exchanged for an equivalent of $1.137 million.
The testimony was presented under the questioning of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) counsel Sylvanus Tahir.
“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,” Ayuba stated, noting that he operates his business under two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd.
In 2023, Ayuba was summoned by the EFCC regarding transactions through the account of Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, held in a commercial bank.
When cross-examined by Mr. Obiano’s lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu, Ayuba clarified that he never directly dealt with Obiano.
Other witnesses, including three bankers, also testified and were cross-examined.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 24, 25, and 26, 2025, for continuation of the trial.
