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.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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