BDC operator testifies in ex-Gov Obiano’s trial




Ayuba Tanko, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator and a witness in the ongoing money laundering trial of former Anambra State governor Willie Obiano, testified that N416 million was deposited into a company's account he managed between April and December 2017.

Tanko gave his testimony before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, under the guidance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)'s lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN. He is the fifth witness for the prosecution.

Tanko explained that the N416 million was converted into 1.137 million US dollars. "I am a forex trader dealing in USD, Euros, and pounds sterling. I find customers, exchange currencies, and earn a commission," he said.

He mentioned that he runs his business through two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd. In 2023, he was summoned by the EFCC's Investigation Department to discuss the account of Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd at a commercial bank.

When asked about the total amount received during that period, Tanko stated, "Between April 2017 and December 2017, I received a total of N416 million and provided the equivalent of 1,137,000 US dollars."

Tanko clarified that apart from this transaction, he had no other business dealings with the Anambra State Government during Obiano's tenure.

During cross-examination by Obiano's lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Tanko confirmed that he had no direct dealings with the ex-governor.

The prosecution also called three bankers to testify in the money laundering case. After their testimonies and cross-examinations by Ikpeazu, Justice Ekwo adjourned the trial until February 24, 25, and 26, 2025.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Social Sciences Are Far From Obsolete: Lessons From My International Relations Studies in the UK

Image
In a recent Facebook post, a social commentator argued that social science courses like sociology, anthropology,  political science, and international relations among others are no longer relevant in today’s labor market, emphasizing the need for tangible and technical skills to survive the 21st-century economy. This has caused ripples and elicited mixed reactions from many quarters, especially on social media platforms. While his concern about the employability of graduates including those who studied non-social science courses (my emphasis)  is valid, particularly in Nigeria's saturated labor market, dismissing the relevance of social sciences reflects a misunderstanding of their role in addressing societal needs. Because employability challenges in Nigeria transcend disciplines; even technical fields like engineering are not exempt, as evidenced by cases like the Dangote Refinery’s reliance on foreign technicians. The deeper problem here is the disconnect between the produc...
Read more

Top 20 Websites Every NGO Job Seeker Should Bookmark Today

Image
  Information is power. For many unemployed graduates, the dream of securing a stable government job or landing a position in the private sector often meets harsh realities. With limited opportunities in both sectors, many struggle to transition from academic achievements to meaningful employment. However, one promising yet often overlooked avenue is the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector. As global challenges like poverty, climate change, and human rights issues grow, NGOs have emerged as vital players in addressing these problems. For example, within Nigeria alone, every geopolitical zone has peculiar socio-economic challenges ranging from insurgency, and banditry to environmental issues. Today, thousands of NGOs worldwide seek skilled professionals to help drive their missions. Unfortunately, many job seekers are unaware of these opportunities or don’t know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 20 trusted platforms where you can find and appl...
Read more

Top 60 Career-Building Online Courses and Certifications to Enhance Your Job Prospects

Image
  Online learning has completely transformed the way we develop skills, breaking down barriers and offering everyone from students to professionals a flexible and cost-effective path to career success. Imagine this: a friend of mine recently landed a high-paying job with a prestigious institution in the United States, all without the "right connections." While many were shocked, the secret to his success was simple yet profound. Instead of idling away his time, he dedicated himself to online training programs, earning certifications that complemented his university degrees. When the job opening was advertised, he confidently submitted his application. The hiring firm was impressed by his qualifications and skills, as demonstrated by those certifications. Today, he and his family have relocated to the U.S., enjoying the fruits of his commitment to self-improvement.  But here’s the kicker: he’s not alone. Thousands of people are working for top global companies, many from the ...
Read more