A former Secretary to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. John Ogah, continued his testimony on Wednesday before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, revealing that former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele allegedly directed funds to be sent to his niece through an account operated on his behalf.
Ogah, the sixth prosecution witness, disclosed this under questioning from Rotimi Oyedepo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He testified that Emefiele once instructed the fifth prosecution witness, Zenith Bank account officer Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, to transfer funds to his niece, identified as Hannah.
Olalekan Ojo, Emefiele’s counsel, objected to this testimony, arguing it was irrelevant as Hannah’s name was not included in the charge. He accused the prosecution of attempting to sensationalize the case. However, Oyedepo defended the testimony’s relevance, stating it was linked to charges of abuse of office and conferring corrupt advantages on Emefiele’s family and associates, including his wife, Margaret.
The EFCC presented emails as evidence, showing Ogah directed the transfer of funds from Zenith Bank accounts belonging to three companies—Comec Support Services Ltd, Limelight Multidimensional Services Ltd, and Andswin Resources Limited—to various beneficiaries. The EFCC alleges these companies were used to launder funds for Emefiele.
Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the trial until November 28, 2024, for further proceedings.
