In a notable development in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness testified on Wednesday that no documentation linkes Emefiele or his wife, Mrs Margaret Emefiele, to three companies allegedly used for laundering funds.
The witness, John Ogah, a former secretary to Emefiele, appeared before an Ikeja Special Offences Court to present evidence as part of the ongoing case involving alleged abuse of office and money laundering against the former CBN governor.
Ogah’s testimony revealed that none of the documents he tendered during his time with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linked the Emefieles to the three companies in question: Limelight, Comec, and Answin Resources Limited.
Ogah, the sixth witness called by the prosecution, emphasized that he did not possess, nor did the EFCC present, any documents connecting the Emefieles to these companies as either beneficial owners, shareholders, or directors.
“I have never come across any document relating to beneficial ownership of the three companies, apart from documents given to me by my boss,” Ogah told the court.
He explained that his statements were consistent with his interactions with the EFCC, and reiterated that neither he nor EFCC operatives could identify any evidence that the Emefieles held a stake or had any administrative involvement in Limelight, Comec, or Answin Resources.
The witness further testified that it was Opeyemi Olujimi, a former accountant for the companies, who initially suggested that Mrs Emefiele owned the companies.
However, he could not confirm any direct link based on the documents available.
Ogah, who said he had worked with Emefiele since 1993, noted he would recognize Emefiele’s signature but had not seen any relevant documents bearing it in relation to the companies involved in the trial.
During the hearing, Ogah was questioned about his own involvement in forex transactions and private business while employed by the CBN.
He admitted to facilitating forex transactions for a colleague known as Eze, in which he shared profits.
Ogah acknowledged that he was aware of regulations prohibiting CBN officials from engaging in business but stated, “I was referring to Eze anybody who needed forex.”
He admitted to having carried out the transactions while in his CBN position, but denied that he had ever collaborated in any business dealings with Emefiele.
This trial stems from allegations that Emefiele engaged in abuse of office and illicitly facilitated the transfer of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion through various means, including unauthorized forex transactions and suspicious activities involving shell companies.
Emefiele was formally arraigned on April 8 on 23 counts that include abuse of office, acceptance of gratifications, corrupt demands, and fraudulent acquisitions.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been granted bail of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
As the case proceeds, Emefiele’s legal team asserts that no conclusive link has been found between him and the entities allegedly involved in the illicit transactions.
This line of defence appears bolstered by Ogah’s statements in court, which suggest that evidence remains inconclusive regarding the Emefieles’ alleged involvement with the companies under scrutiny.
The EFCC maintains its stance that Emefiele abused his position to engage in extensive financial misconduct, and the trial is expected to continue with further witness testimonies in the coming days.
Copyright Notice: All rights reserved. The content on this website, including text and other digital materials, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of THE NEWS ACCELERATOR NETWORK.
For advertising inquiries, news coverage, or press releases, please contact us at thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com or call 08022717838 and 08033599492.
Post a Comment