In a dramatic courtroom revelation yesterday, an Ikeja Special Offences Court heard testimony alleging that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele transferred millions of naira to his wife, Margaret, and several companies while in office.
Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, an assistant bank manager and former business relationship manager, testified that she managed accounts through which substantial funds from the CBN were channeled.
“The companies sent transfer instructions to my email and Margaret Emefiele is the beneficiary and owner of the money,” Ogbonnaya stated.
Emefiele, along with co-defendant Henry Omoile, faces charges of abuse of office and alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
The trial is one of three ongoing cases against Emefiele in Lagos and Abuja.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) presented evidence of transactions dating back to 2015. Companies involved include Amswinh Resources and Solution, Limelight Dimensional Service Limited, Omec Support Service Limited, and Mango Farm.
Ogbonnaya testified that all transactions required Mrs. Emefiele’s approval, received via email, phone calls, or WhatsApp. The trial is set to continue today.
In a separate development, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has scheduled a ruling for July 16 on Emefiele’s application to travel abroad for medical reasons. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the request, arguing that Emefiele poses a flight risk.
EFCC lawyer Muhammad Omeiza noted the lack of medical evidence supporting Emefiele’s claim and expressed concerns about potential flight, citing co-conspirators allegedly in the UK.
The court will decide whether to grant Emefiele permission to travel, weighing the medical necessity against the risk of fleeing justice.
As these legal proceedings unfold, they continue to shed light on the financial dealings of one of Nigeria’s most prominent former public officials.
