In the ongoing trial of former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, the 10th Prosecution Witness (PW10), Udochukwu Okparache, testified before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Okparache, a general contractor and the owner of Youdooh Ventures Limited, stated that he was unaware of a total sum of N860 million deposited into his company’s bank account by the Anambra State Government.
Testifying under the guidance of prosecution counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), Okparache explained that upon noticing unusual transactions in his account, he inquired with his account officer. According to him, the officer explained that the transactions were intended to boost his account’s status to meet travel requirements abroad.
“I was called by the EFCC in April 2023 to clarify issues related to Youdooh Ventures’ bank account, which I had opened in Awka,” Okparache told the court. “When I reviewed the transactions with the EFCC, I couldn’t understand them. I then contacted my account officer, who told me the deposits were to improve my account’s standing. The inflows were made through Manager’s cheques, while the outflows were handled by individuals.”
He also disclosed that the transactions, which involved companies such as Cherish Ventures Limited, Chief Mrs. Eberechi Willie Obiano, and Easy Demands Limited, amounted to N860 million. Despite this, Okparache clarified that he did not participate in any bidding process for contracts with the Anambra State Government.
Upon reviewing his account statements, particularly pages 119 to 145 of exhibit PW3 A1-A5, Okparache confirmed several payments, including N18 million and N9 million deposited on April 5, 2018, and additional payments on April 11, 2018. He also confirmed a N7 million transfer made to the wife of the defendant, the former governor.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) questioned Okparache about why he did not report the transactions to the bank when he noticed them. Okparache replied that he wanted to maintain his account’s enhanced status. He also denied having any personal knowledge of Obiano, the defendant, or whether he authorized the transactions in question.
After hearing the testimony, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the trial to May 26, 27, and 28, 2025, for further proceedings.
Obiano faces a nine-count charge involving money laundering, diversion of funds, corruption, and stealing, amounting to N4 billion.
