Witness in Willie Obiano’s trial claims ignorance’s of N860M deposited in his company’s account
The 10th prosecution witness (PW10) in the ongoing trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was unaware of N860 million deposited into his company’s account by the Anambra State Government.
Testifying before Justice Inyang Ekwo, the witness, Udochukwu Okparache, a general contractor and owner of Youdooh Ventures Limited, said he only learned about the transactions after being summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2023.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), Okparache stated that when he inquired about the transactions from his bank, his account officer explained that they were meant to “boost” his account status to meet the requirements for traveling abroad.
“I was called by the EFCC to give clarification on my company’s bank account, which I opened in Awka. When I got there, they showed me transactions with the Anambra State Government that I didn’t understand,” Okparache said.
He further disclosed that payments totaling N860 million had passed through his account, with Manager’s cheques facilitating the inflows and individuals handling the outflows. Companies such as Cherish Ventures Limited, Easy Demands Limited, and Chief Mrs. Eberechi Willie Obiano (the former governor’s wife) allegedly benefited from these transactions.
While reviewing Exhibit PW3 A1-A5 (his statements of account), Okparache confirmed that money was transferred in tranches, including:
N18 million on April 5, 2018
N9 million on the same date
Further payments on April 11, 2018, including N7 million to the wife of the defendant
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Okparache admitted that he did not report the transactions to the bank because he wanted his account to be “boosted.” However, he denied knowing the former governor or whether Obiano personally authorized the transactions.
After listening to the testimony, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the trial to May 26, 27, and 28, 2025, for further proceedings.
