A prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that over $2.045 million in cash and several property title documents recovered from Emefiele’s lawyer belonged to the ex-central bank chief.
David Oyesina Jaiyeoba, the 12th prosecution witness (PW12) and an EFCC investigation officer, gave the testimony on Friday before Justice Hamza Muazu.
Under questioning by the prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Jaiyeoba said the probe into Emefiele began following a report sent to the EFCC by the Inter-Agency Task Force led by the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Several individuals, companies, and government agencies were interviewed, leading to findings that included the recovery of substantial cash and assets, which were forfeited to the Federal Government,” the witness explained.
Jaiyeoba disclosed that $2 million originated from Eric Ocheme Odoh, Emefiele’s personal assistant during his tenure as CBN governor. The EFCC confirmed with Emefiele’s lawyer, Collins Omeife, that both the cash and property documents in his possession belonged to the former governor.
The witness added: “During our investigation at Zenith Bank Plc Headquarters in Lagos, funds totaling $2,045,000 and property title documents were recovered from Mr. Collins Omeife, the defendant’s lawyer. We found that Omeife had been acquiring and perfecting property titles at the instructions of the defendant.”
He further testified that Emefiele routinely provided cash, including foreign currency, through his assistant Odoh, to purchase properties and renovate existing assets.
Jaiyeoba also highlighted that Emefiele authorized payments for contracts to multiple companies, including Architekon Nigeria Limited, owned by his brother-in-law MacCombo Omoile and his wife Margaret Omoile. He presented evidence, including internal CBN memos, showing approvals for payments on the CBN governor’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, office furniture procurement, landscaping, and dedicated power provision, all sanctioned by Emefiele.
The witness referenced correspondence between the EFCC and Zenith Bank regarding Emefiele’s accounts, noting that debit entries confirmed transactions, such as a N4 million payment to Architekon Nigeria Limited.
Justice Muazu adjourned the trial to March 5, 16, and 17, 2026, for continuation.
Emefiele faces prosecution by the EFCC on an amended 20-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, forgery, obtaining by false pretence, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit felony.
