In continued proceedings before a Lagos High Court on Wednesday, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Secretary, Mr. John Ogah, testified against ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, alleging that Emefiele had directed funds to his niece from an account reportedly under his control.
Ogah, serving as the sixth prosecution witness, disclosed this information in response to questions from Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo. He told the court that Emefiele had instructed the fifth prosecution witness, Zenith Bank account officer Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, to transfer funds to his niece, identified as Hannah.
The revelation prompted objections from Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, who argued that the niece’s name was not mentioned in the official charges and accused the EFCC of attempting to inject sensationalism into the trial. In response, Oyedepo contended that the information was pertinent to charges of abuse of office and of allegedly conferring corrupt advantages on Emefiele’s associates, including his family members.
Further testimony from Ogah included emails sent to Zenith Bank account officers for three companies—Comec Support Services Ltd, Limelight Multidimensional Services Ltd, and Andswin Resources Limited—directing the transfer of funds to specific beneficiaries. The EFCC alleges these companies were involved in laundering funds on behalf of Emefiele.
Presiding Judge Rahman Oshodi adjourned the trial to November 28, 2024, for further proceedings.
