On Tuesday, the Ikeja Special Offences Court heard testimony regarding former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele’s alleged transfer of millions of naira to his wife, Margaret.
Assistant bank manager Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbonnaya testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi, revealing that millions of naira were also transferred in multiple tranches to various company accounts.
Emefiele is currently facing trial for abuse of office and alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. He is being tried in three separate courts in Lagos and Abuja, alongside his co-defendant Henry Omoile.
In a separate case, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has adjourned a ruling on Emefiele’s application for permission to travel abroad. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposes the application, fearing that Emefiele might abscond if he gains access to his international passport.
During the Lagos trial, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) led Mrs. Ogbonnaya in evidence. Ogbonnaya, a former business relationship manager, explained that she managed accounts through which substantial funds from the CBN were transferred. She stated, “The accounts are for Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, the ex-CBN governor’s wife. The companies sent transfer instructions to my email, and Margaret Emefiele is the beneficiary and owner of the money.”
Ogbonnaya detailed the companies involved, including Amswinh Resources and Solution, Limelight Dimensional Service Limited, Omec Support Service Limited, and Mango Farm. She added that all transactions were confirmed by Mrs. Emefiele before processing and that she received instructions through email, phone calls, and WhatsApp.
The trial continues today, with detailed transaction records admitted into evidence.
EFCC Opposes Emefiele’s Travel Request
The FCT High Court has scheduled a ruling for July 16 regarding Emefiele’s request to travel abroad for medical reasons. He faces a 20-count amended charge, including conferring corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining by false pretence totaling $6.23 million.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi-Lawal, argued for the release of his client’s passport to facilitate a trip to the United Kingdom for medical care. However, EFCC’s lawyer, Muhammad Omeiza, countered that no medical report had been provided to substantiate the claim. Omeiza also emphasized that even if there was an ailment, no evidence suggested it couldn’t be treated in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Omeiza argued that releasing Emefiele’s passport would alter his bail conditions, describing him as a flight risk with co-conspirators abroad.
He cited two aides, Anita and Tony, currently in the UK, suggesting Emefiele might be tempted to flee while facing trials in three different courts.
(Nation)
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