The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, resumed on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, with testimony from Onyeka Ogbu, a deputy director at the apex bank, implicating Emefiele.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is prosecuting Emefiele on amended 20 counts including forgery, criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust.
Emefiele stands accused of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to unlawfully obtain $6.2 million. The EFCC alleges that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele, in collaboration with Odoh Ocheme (currently evading authorities), obtained the sum from the CBN, claiming it was requested by the SGF via a forged letter dated January 26, 2023.
According to the EFCC, Emefiele forged a document titled “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS” and claimed the SGF requested the release of $6,230,000 in line with the President’s directive. Ogbu, testifying for the prosecution, confirmed awareness of the $6.2 million payment request for international election observers, stating it was made on January 8, 2023.
Ogbu recounted reviewing the payment request, granting approval, and initiating disbursement. However, discrepancies arose during the trial regarding the certification of documents presented by the prosecution. Despite efforts to proceed, the defence objected, leading to a request for adjournment to rectify the issue.
In response to the defense’s objection, the court adjourned the trial until Tuesday to allow the prosecution to address the document certification concerns. Justice Hamza Muazu presided over the proceedings, ensuring due process while accommodating necessary legal procedures.
