On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its case in the trial of the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, at an FCT High Court in Abuja. Emefiele faces an amended 20-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust.
The former charges, consisting of six counts, led to Emefiele’s initial arraignment on November 28, 2023, with the EFCC subsequently filing amended charges.
Emefiele, denying the charges on Friday, pleaded not guilty during the re-arraignment.
The EFCC’s first witness, Onyeka Ogbu, a Deputy Director in CBN branch operations, testified that $6.2 million was allocated for international election observers. Ogbu explained the payment request process, stating that his role involved processing and disbursement after verifying documents.
The amended charge accuses Emefiele of colluding with Odoh Ocheme, who is now at large, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming it was requested by the SGF via a letter dated January 26, 2023.
The alleged offense relates to the renovation contract for the CBN Governor’s lodge in Ikoyi, Lagos, awarded to Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited, where Emefiele and Ocheme are directors and majority shareholders.
The EFCC cites violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and sections 315, 363, and 364 of the penal code.
