WATCH THE VIDEO HERE A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was unaware of an N860 million transaction linked to his company’s account by the Anambra State government. NAIJAONPOINT , Udochukwu Okparache, a general contractor and owner of Youdooh Ventures Limited, testified on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, before Justice Inyang Ekwo. He was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN. According to a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on its official X handle on Wednesday, Okparache said he only became aware of the transactions when he was invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning. “Sometimes in April 2023, I was called by the EFCC to clarify transactions linked to Youdooh Ventures’ bank account. When I reviewed the records, I couldn’t understand some of the inflows. I immediately contacted my account officer, who told me my account was being boosted,” Okparache said. NAIJAONPOINT revealed that the transactions, which totalled N860 million, were carried out using Manager’s cheques, with funds eventually transferred to multiple beneficiaries, including Cherish Ventures Limited, Easy Demands Limited, and Eberechi Willie Obiano, the wife of the defendant. “I did not bid for any contract with the Anambra State government,” he added. During cross-examination by defense counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Okparache admitted that he did not report the transactions to the bank because he wanted his account to reflect a stronger financial status. He, however, maintained that he had no personal ties with the defendant and could not confirm whether the former governor authorised the payments. The EFCC’s statement further emphasised that the funds were allegedly misappropriated as part of a broader N4 billion fraud case against Obiano, who is facing nine counts of money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing, and corruption. Following NAIJAONPOINT ’s testimony, Justice Ekwo adjourned the trial to May 26, 27, and 28, 2025, for continuation of proceedings. Obiano, who was arrested by the EFCC shortly after leaving office in 2022, has denied any wrongdoing.
Witness Admits Not Reporting N860m Transactions To Bank, Denies Ties With Ex-Governor Obiano In Fraud Case
