In a recent development at the Ikeja Special Offences Court, startling revelations emerged about the alleged involvement of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in financial irregularities.
The court heard how Emefiele purportedly utilised his former dispatch rider, now a CBN staff member, to collect a total of $3 million in cash through multiple transactions.
On Monday, Osasuwa, the said CBN staff member, testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi, disclosing details of the transactions. Osasuwa, who previously worked as a dispatch rider at Zenith Bank and later joined CBN in 2014, recounted his interactions with Emefiele during his tenure as Managing Director at Zenith Bank. He stated that he became a full-time staff member at CBN, serving as a senior supervisor in the governor’s office in Lagos.
According to Osasuwa, Emefiele allegedly instructed him to collect money on his behalf from various individuals and entities. On one occasion in 2020, while Osasuwa was outside Lagos, Emefiele reportedly provided him with a contact number to arrange a cash pickup. Osasuwa claimed he collected an envelope containing cash from a designated individual and delivered it to Emefiele or his associate.
The witness further asserted that Emefiele would personally collect money when present in Lagos, but in his absence, he would instruct Osasuwa to hand over the funds to another individual, identified as Henry Isioma-Omoile, who allegedly resided with Emefiele.
Osasuwa stated that Emefiele had previously directed him to collect cheques from a company named MINL Ltd and deposit them into an account belonging to Dumies Oil and Gas. He admitted to handling transactions involving substantial sums of money, including $1 million, $850,000, $750,000, and $400,000, all in cash.
Under cross-examination, Osasuwa affirmed his long-standing association with Emefiele since 2002 and acknowledged Isioma-Omoile’s presence at Emefiele’s residence. However, Isioma-Omoile reportedly denied involvement during the investigation.
In a subsequent development, Justice Oshodi granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N50 million, along with stringent conditions including two sureties who must be gainfully employed and have a record of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The case is adjourned until April 29 for trial and consideration of an application for a closed session.
