A bureau de change operator, Ayuba Tanko, says between April and December 2017, N416 million was paid into a company’s account he used by proxy in the ongoing trial of former Governor Willie Obiano.

Mr Ayuba told Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Wednesday while being led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir.

Mr Ayuba, the fifth prosecution witness, said the N416 million received in tranches was returned as $1.137 million equivalent.

“I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange. I trade in dollars, euros and pounds sterling. I do source for customers and I do exchange and collect commission,” he said.

Mr Ayiba said he used two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, for his business.

He said he was invited by the EFCC in 2023 and was questioned about Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd’s account domiciled in one of the commercial banks.

When the lawyer asked him how much he received during the period, the witness 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.”

Mr Ayuba said that besides this transaction, he had not done any other business with Mr Obiano’s government.

Mr Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, during cross-examination, asked Mr Ayuba if he had ever had any dealings with the ex-governor directly, Mr Ayuba said, “I did not deal directly with the defendant.”

The prosecution counsel also called three bankers, who gave their testimonies in the alleged money laundering charge.

After the four witnesses testified and were cross-examined by Mr Ikpeazu, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until February 24, 25 and 26, 2025, for continuation of trial.

(NAN)