How Emefiele Transferred Millions to Wife’s Accounts, Witness Reveals

The Ikeja Special Offences Court heard testimony on Monday regarding former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele’s alleged transfer of millions of naira to his wife, Magaret Emefiele. Assistant bank manager Ifeoma Ogbonnaya testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi, detailing the movement of large sums into various company accounts.

Emefiele is currently on trial for abuse of office and alleged fraud amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. The ex-CBN chief is facing charges in three separate courts across Lagos and Abuja, with Henry Omoile as his co-defendant in this case.

In a related development, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has postponed its ruling on Emefiele’s request to travel abroad for medical reasons. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed this request, arguing that Emefiele might flee if allowed to retrieve his passport.

In Lagos, EFCC prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) led Ogbonnaya in her testimony. She stated that she managed accounts through which significant funds from the CBN were funneled. According to Ogbonnaya, these accounts, owned by Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, received money in several tranches from 2015.

Ogbonnaya identified the companies involved as Amswinh Resources and Solution, Limelight Dimensional Service Limited, Omec Support Service Limited, and Mango Farm. She emphasized that all transactions were confirmed by Mrs. Emefiele before being processed.

Ogbonnaya provided details on the transaction instructions, which she received via email, phone calls, and WhatsApp. These communications were admitted as evidence in court. The trial is set to continue today.

In the FCT High Court, Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi-Lawal, requested the release of his client’s passport for a medical trip to the UK. However, EFCC’s lawyer, Muhammad Omeiza, contested this, citing a lack of medical evidence and arguing that the ailment could be treated in Nigeria. Omeiza also labeled Emefiele a flight risk, noting that two of his aides are currently in the UK.

The court will rule on Emefiele’s travel request on July 16, as the former CBN governor continues to face multiple legal battles.