Witness Unaware Of ₦860m Deposit By Anambra Govt
The 10th Prosecuting Witness (PW10) in the ongoing trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, Udochukwu Okparache, testified before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was unaware of a total sum of ₦860 million deposited into his company’s account by the Anambra State Government.
Okparache, a general contractor and owner of Youdooh Ventures Limited, made this disclosure while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN).
The contractor explained that when he inquired about unusual transactions in his account at the bank, his account officer informed him that the deposits were made to boost his account status in preparation for his overseas travel.
He said, “In April 2023, I was contacted by the EFCC to clarify transactions related to Youdooh Ventures’ bank account, which I opened in Awka. When I got there, they showed me transactions involving the Anambra State Government, but I couldn’t understand the purpose of the deposits.”
Okparache continued, “I immediately contacted my account officer, who explained that the deposits were made to boost my account. The inflows were made through Manager’s cheques, and the outflows were carried out by individuals.”
He further stated that while the transactions involving Manager’s cheques amounted to about ₦60 million, the total sum that passed through his account was ₦860 million. Okparache mentioned that companies such as Cherish Ventures Limited, Chief Mrs. Eberechi Willie Obiano, and Easy Demands Limited benefitted from these transactions. He emphasized that he never bid for any contract with the Anambra State government.
While reviewing Exhibit PW3 A1-A5, which contained his account statements, the witness confirmed that the funds were transferred in multiple tranches. He noted that ₦18 million was paid on April 5, 2018, followed by another ₦9 million on the same day. A further payment was made on April 11, 2018, and ₦7 million was transferred to the wife of the defendant, the former governor.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Okparache explained that he did not report the transactions to the bank because he wanted his account to be “boosted.” He also denied knowing the defendant personally, stating he was unaware if Obiano had authorized the transactions.
After hearing his testimony, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter until May 26, 27, and 28, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
Obiano is facing trial on nine counts, including money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing, and corruption, involving a total of ₦4 billion.
