An official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Alvan Gurumnaan, on Tuesday told the Lagos State Special Offences Court how former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, allegedly received $17.1 million in cash through a proxy over a three-year period.
Testifying as the eighth prosecution witness, Gurumnaan said the funds were delivered between 2020 and 2023 in multiple tranches to Henry Omoile — Emefiele’s associate and co-defendant — at the former CBN governor’s Lagos residence.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Gurumnaan explained that the anti-graft agency acted on credible intelligence, launching a detailed investigation involving several departments of the CBN, the Code of Conduct Bureau, Corporate Affairs Commission, commercial banks, and FMDQ.
According to him, Emefiele’s former aide, Monday Osazuwa, confirmed running errands for his former boss — both personal and official — and stated that a businessman, identified only as “Mr. Mohits,” facilitated the cash deliveries. The transactions, often occurring on Fridays, continued until a week before Emefiele’s suspension in June 2023.
Efforts to locate Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Odoh, who allegedly played a key role, have been unsuccessful. Gurumnaan said Interpol has since issued a red notice for his arrest.
The EFCC presented related documents in court as evidence.
Meanwhile, Emefiele’s lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), requested access to inspect the documents with the assistance of a forensic expert. Justice Rahman Oshodi directed the defence to file a formal application and adjourned the case to October 7, 8, and 9 for continuation of trial.
Emefiele and Omoile face a 19-count charge bordering on corruption and illicit financial dealings involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
