Crime
Obiano Trial: I Had No Knowledge of ₦860m In My Company’s Account – Witness
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 N860 million deposited into his company’s bank account by the Anambra State Government.
The witness, Udochukwu Okparache, a general contractor and owner of Youdooh Ventures Limited, made this revelation while testifying before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), Okparache stated that he only became aware of the transactions when he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2023.
READ MORE: Fraud: Witness Claims N416m Was Channeled In Proxy Dealings Under Ex-Gov Obiano
“Sometimes in April 2023, I was called by the EFCC to come and give clarification in respect of Youdooh Ventures bank account, which I opened in Awka. When I got there, they showed me the transactions I had done with the Anambra State government but couldn’t understand the transaction that was there,” Okparache said.
Upon inquiry, his account officer allegedly told him that the inflows were meant to boost his account status to enable him to meet requirements for traveling abroad.
“Immediately, I called my account officer, who told me that he was boosting my account. The inflows were made through the Manager’s cheques, and the outflows were done by individuals.
“The transactions that were done in that account were through Manager’s cheques, which was about N60 million, but N860 million was the total amount that passed through my account, which Cherish Ventures Limited, Chief Mrs. Eberechi Willie Obiano, Easy Demands Limited, and so many other companies benefited from. I did not bid for any contract with the Anambra State government,” he stated.
An analysis of his account statements, marked as exhibit PW3 A1-A5, confirmed that the funds were transferred in tranches, including payments of N18 million and N9 million on April 5, 2018.
Another payment was made on April 11, 2018, while N7 million was transferred to the wife of the former governor.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Okparache admitted that he did not report the transactions to the bank, explaining that he wanted his account to be boosted.
However, he denied knowing Obiano personally or being aware of who authorized the payments.
After hearing his testimony, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to May 26, 27, and 28, 2025, for continuation of trial.
Obiano is currently facing a nine-count charge related to money laundering, diversion of public funds, and corruption, amounting to N4 billion.
A 45-year-old woman, Mrs. Oluchi Ugbowan, has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for allegedly orchestrating her own kidnapping in a desperate attempt to extort N50 million from her family.
Police said the suspect, alongside three accomplices, staged an elaborate kidnapping drama, complete with videos showing her bound and allegedly held captive, in a bid to convince relatives that she had fallen into the hands of kidnappers.
ALSO READ: Edo Community In Shock As Gunmen Abduct Doctor, Brother
The Edo State Police Command disclosed on Tuesday that the scheme was uncovered following a complaint lodged by Mrs. Ugbowan’s husband, Mr. Tony Ugbowan, who reported that his wife had been kidnapped while on her way to her shop at Ramat Park along Agbor Road in Benin City.
According to police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikedem, the husband told investigators that he had received a call from an unknown individual using a concealed phone number, demanding a ransom of N50 million for his wife’s release.
The report prompted operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to launch an intensive investigation, combining intelligence gathering and technical tracking to uncover the truth behind the alleged abduction.
The breakthrough came with the arrest of one Israel Ability, 28, at Ramat Park, Agbor Road, Benin City. During the operation, detectives recovered a mobile phone belonging to the supposed victim.
Police said Ability later confessed during interrogation that the kidnapping was staged and that he had been recruited by Mrs. Ugbowan to negotiate ransom payments with her family while pretending she had been abducted.
Further investigations led officers to a hotel in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, where Mrs. Ugbowan was arrested on June 5, 2026.
During questioning, she allegedly admitted to masterminding the fake kidnapping and subsequently led investigators to the residence of another suspect, Ochukwudem Uwadia, 38, in Delta State.
According to the police, Uwadia’s residence served as the location where the fake kidnapping videos were produced.
The clips reportedly showed Mrs. Ugbowan with her hands and feet tied while emotional appeals for ransom were directed at her family.
Investigators also discovered that Uwadia’s 18-year-old son, Chibuzor Ochukwudem, allegedly participated in the scheme and was seen pointing a firearm at Mrs. Ugbowan’s head in the videos to make the kidnapping appear genuine.
Police said all four suspects connected to the alleged conspiracy have now been arrested.
A search conducted at the premises used for the production of the videos led to the recovery of an automatic pump-action gun allegedly used during the recording of the ransom footage.
The Edo State Police Command said the suspects will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations, warning members of the public against engaging in criminal schemes disguised as kidnapping incidents.
The European Union has imposed a €200 million fine on Chinese-owned online retail platform Temu over the sale of illegal and unsafe products across its marketplace.
EU regulators announced the penalty on Thursday, accusing the e-commerce giant of failing to properly prevent dangerous items from reaching consumers within the bloc.
According to the European Commission, European shoppers were highly likely to encounter illegal products on Temu, including unsafe baby toys, defective chargers, and jewellery that failed safety standards.
SEE ALSO: European Union maintains its commitment to Mali
The EU said Temu failed to adequately assess the risks linked to illegal products being sold on its platform, adding that the company underestimated the level of harm such items could pose to consumers.
EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen said Temu’s rapid expansion in Europe made the issue more concerning, noting that millions of users could potentially be exposed to unsafe products.
Temu, however, disagreed with the decision and described the fine as “disproportionate.” The company stated that it had cooperated with regulators and already introduced additional measures to improve platform governance and user safety.
The sanction was issued under the European Union’s Digital Services Act, a major law aimed at holding large digital platforms accountable for illegal content and consumer risks online.
The platform, which entered the European market in 2023, has grown rapidly and now boasts about 130 million users within the EU.
Regulators also disclosed that investigations into other suspected breaches by Temu are still ongoing, including concerns over addictive app features and its recommendation systems.
Temu has been given until August 28 to submit a compliance plan outlining how it intends to address the violations or risk facing further penalties.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over his alleged involvement in a N33.8 billion fraud linked to power sector projects in Nigeria.
The arrest comes months after Mamman was convicted in absentia on multiple counts bordering on the alleged diversion of public funds meant for critical electricity infrastructure, including the Mambilla Power Project and other national power initiatives.
SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Court Remands Buhari’s Power Minister, Mamman In Kuje Prison
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that the former minister was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State following weeks of intelligence-led surveillance operations.
According to him, Mamman had evaded arrest since his conviction and sentencing, prompting a sustained nationwide search by EFCC operatives.
He said the arrest represents a major breakthrough in the commission’s efforts to ensure that all individuals found guilty of financial crimes are brought to justice, regardless of their status or influence.
Two suspects arrested for allegedly harbouring ex-minister
The EFCC also disclosed that two other individuals were arrested during the operation for allegedly assisting and providing shelter to the former minister while he was on the run.
Investigators are currently questioning the suspects to determine the extent of their involvement in aiding a convicted fugitive.
Properties and assets under investigation
The anti-graft agency further revealed that it has identified additional properties suspected to be linked to Mamman, adding that asset recovery processes are already underway.
EFCC boss Olukoyede noted that the case has exposed weaknesses in monitoring high-profile corruption trials, adding that reforms would be introduced to prevent similar lapses in future cases.
Prosecutor confirms enforcement of court order
The Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said the arrest marks the enforcement of a court judgment, stating that Mamman’s conviction and sentence are now being fully implemented following his capture.
He added that the next step would be the ex-minister’s transfer to a correctional facility in line with legal procedures.
Bizteller recalls that Saleh Mamman was convicted over allegations of diverting funds allocated for major power projects, including the Mambilla hydroelectric scheme, one of Nigeria’s largest and most strategic energy investments.
The EFCC says the arrest underscores its commitment to tackling corruption and recovering stolen public funds across the country.
OPEC Oil Output Lowest Since at Least 2000 as US Blockade Squeezes Iran: Report
Dangote Foundation Distributes Rice to Cement Host Communities in Ogun
US Threatens to Deport Influencers Covering the World Cup for Profit
‘Our Members Are Dying’ — Benue Retirees Protest Unpaid Pensions, Gratuities
Xenophobia Horror: 268 Nigerians Flee South Africa, Arrive Lagos Today
June 12 Showdown: Falana, Falz Lead Nationwide Protest Against Hardship, Insecurity
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
Woh I love your content, saved to favorites! .
You are a very intelligent individual!
After examine just a few of the weblog posts in your website now, and I really like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and will be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my website as effectively and let me know what you think.
I like this website because so much utile stuff on here : D.
I?¦ve learn some good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot attempt you place to make the sort of excellent informative website.
I am continuously searching online for ideas that can help me. Thanks!
Hello, i believe that i noticed you visited my site so i came to “return the desire”.I’m trying to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your concepts!!
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I am constantly thought about this, regards for putting up.
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your website in internet explorer, would check this?K IE nonetheless is the market leader and a big component to other people will omit your wonderful writing due to this problem.
I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site 🙂
This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!
Yay google is my queen assisted me to find this great internet site! .
I have been examinating out some of your posts and i must say pretty nice stuff. I will surely bookmark your site.