Dispatch Rider Testifies on Collecting $3 Million Cash for Former CBN Governor Emefiele

A dispatch rider named Monday Osazuwa appeared in the Special Offences Court in Lagos on Friday, providing testimony on his involvement in collecting cash for the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Osazuwa detailed instances where Emefiele instructed him to pick up various amounts of cash, totaling $3 million in different tranches.

Osazuwa, who had been a dispatch rider at Zenith Bank since 2001 before becoming a contract staff member at the CBN in 2014, stated that he had known Emefiele as his superior at Zenith Bank. After transitioning to the CBN, Osazuwa continued to work closely with Emefiele.

In his testimony before Justice Raman Oshodi, Osazuwa recounted how Emefiele would communicate with him via WhatsApp and email, directing him to collect cash from different individuals and bring it to Emefiele’s residence in Lagos. Osazuwa confirmed that the largest single sum he collected was $1 million in cash, with other amounts including $850,000, $750,000, and $400,000.

Despite his loyalty and efforts in handling the cash transactions, Osazuwa revealed that Emefiele never rewarded him for his services. He stated that he performed his duties out of faithfulness but was never compensated.

The case also involves Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, who resided at Emefiele’s residence. Osazuwa testified that when Emefiele was not at home, he would hand the money over to Omoile.

Justice Oshodi had previously granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N50 million, with specific conditions regarding sureties and their qualifications. The court is set to reconvene on April 29, 2024, for the trial and hearing of an application for a closed session.

Emefiele and his co-defendant are facing charges related to abuse of office, acceptance of gratifications, corrupt demand, and other financial misconduct. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.