Investigators from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered substantial evidence during the trial of Godwin Emefiele. The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor faced charges related to procurement fraud. Authorities accused him of mishandling funds amounting to N1.2 billion.
Background of the Case
Prosecutors brought Emefiele to trial on 20 counts. They claimed he abused his position between 2014 and 2023. The case focused on approvals for renovations and supplies at his official residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Furthermore the EFCC examined bank transactions. They requested details from Zenith Bank about Emefiele’s accounts. This step revealed payments to companies like Architeco Nigeria Limited.
The Court Testimony
David Jaiyeoba testified as the 12th prosecution witness. He served as an EFCC operative. Jaiyeoba presented internal memos from the CBN.
He identified approvals for payments totaling N97,998,416.38. Emefiele signed these documents. They covered furniture supplies and power line installations.
In addition, Jaiyeoba highlighted debit entries. One entry dated January 13, 2015, showed a N4 million payment to Architeco Nigeria Limited. The court admitted these as exhibits.
Details of the Recovery
The EFCC recovered $2.045 million during the investigation. They also seized several properties and title documents. Agents found these items at Zenith Bank headquarters in Lagos.
Jaiyeoba stated, “My Lord, the funds, amounting to $2,045,000, alongside several properties and title documents were recovered from Zenith Bank Plc headquarters in Lagos, in the possession of one Mr Collins Omeke, a lawyer to the defendant.”
Omeke explained his role to investigators. He acquired properties on Emefiele’s instructions. He confirmed, “the defendant was in the habit of giving him cash sums in foreign currency, precisely United States dollars, for the acquisition of those properties.”
Additionally, Omeke revealed the source of the cash. Eric Ocheme Udoh delivered it on Emefiele’s behalf. Part of the money funded renovations.
Subsequent Forfeiture Proceedings
A Federal High Court in Lagos ordered interim forfeiture of the $2.045 million. Justice Akintayo Aluko issued this ruling. The court also seized seven landed properties in Ikoyi and Lekki.
The EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, argued the assets stemmed from unlawful activities. No one claimed the money initially. The properties included duplexes and an industrial complex in Delta State.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu finalized the forfeiture. He noted, “the conclusion that can be deduced is that there must be something dark about the acquisition of the properties which Emefiele and the companies does not want to come to light.”
The judge added, “the interested party has failed to demonstrate any lawful interest in the properties and that they were acquired from his legitimate earnings.”
Impact on the Ongoing Trial
The recovery strengthened the prosecution’s case. It linked Emefiele to suspicious transactions. Courts published forfeiture notices in newspapers.
Meanwhile Emefiele contested the charges. The trial continued in Abuja. Authorities aimed to recover assets tied to corruption.
This development highlighted efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC pursued leads from bank records and witness statements. The case drew public attention due to Emefiele’s high profile.
