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Former CBN Secretary Testifies in Emefiele’s Fraud Trial

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 29th, 2024.

Former CBN Secretary Testifies in Emefiele’s Fraud Trial

John Ogah, a former secretary at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), testified on Monday in the ongoing trial of ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, who faces allegations of fraud and abuse of office. Emefiele is accused of misappropriating $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion during his tenure.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele in an Ikeja Special Offences Court. Alongside him is co-defendant Henry Omoile, who is charged with unlawfully accepting gifts.

During his testimony, Ogah, represented by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), recounted his experience working under Emefiele at Zenith Bank before moving to the CBN, where he served as secretary to the governor. He explained his responsibilities, which included managing communications for the governor and forwarding important documents.

Ogah stated, “I took instructions from CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and was asked to deliver documents to the account officer of three companies—Limelight, Comec, and Answin Resources Ltd. I sent the documents via email.”

The trial is set to continue on October 30, as Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned proceedings.

Earlier in the trial, Monday Osazuwa, a dispatch rider at the CBN, was recalled for cross-examination by Emefiele’s defense attorney, Olalekan Ojo (SAN). Osazuwa had previously testified about collecting large sums of money for Emefiele, but admitted he did not keep records of these transactions. He explained that Emefiele had instructed him not to document any of the cash he collected.

When questioned about the significance of maintaining financial records, Osazuwa reiterated that he followed Emefiele’s directive to not write anything down, resulting in no documentation being available for the amounts collected.