Testimony Reveals Absence Of Records For Emefiele Fund Collection

Testimony Reveals Absence Of Records For Emefiele Fund Collection
A dispatch rider, Monday Osazuwa, was recalled for cross-examination on Monday as the first prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele. During questioning by Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Osazuwa informed Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court that he did not keep any records of the money he collected for Emefiele, stating that he had been instructed not to maintain any records.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Emefiele is facing trial for alleged abuse of office and money laundering involving $4.5 billion and 2.8 billion naira. He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 8, 2024, on 23 counts related to corruption and the acceptance of gratifications. Co-defendant Henry Isioma-Omoile faces three counts concerning acceptance of gifts by agents. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Emefiele was granted bail set at 50 million naira with two sureties, while Omoile was allowed to continue on a previously granted bail of 1 million naira.

During his initial testimony on April 12, 2024, Osazuwa detailed how Emefiele had instructed him to collect large sums of cash, stating, “The highest amount I collected was $1 million.” He recounted how he received cash in tranches and delivered it to Emefiele’s residence, often handing it over to Omoile when Emefiele was not home.

Osazuwa, who has a background as a dispatch rider at Zenith Bank before joining the Central Bank as a contract staff in 2014, testified about his various roles in the governor’s office. He noted that Emefiele typically communicated through Omoile, and he had also collected cheques for a company named Dummies Oil and Gas.

Following the testimonies of four additional witnesses, the defense requested to recall Osazuwa. On May 18, 2024, Justice Oshodi approved this request, leading to further questioning on Monday. During this session, Emefiele’s counsel asked Osazuwa if he had ever provided the EFCC with any written instructions from Emefiele regarding his unofficial tasks.

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