
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under Godwin Emefiele transferred funds through Zenith Bank to companies operated by the wife of the former governor.
The EFCC provided details of the questionable transfers during the trial of the former CBN governor for allegedly misusing his office to the tune of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
Mrs. Ifeoma William Ogbonnaya, a marketer and Assistant Manager at Zenith Bank, testified as the fifth prosecution witness.
She identified several large transfers from CBN into companies operated by the wife of the suspended CBN governor.
These companies include Limelight, which manages CBN facilities in Lagos, and Magbo Farms in Ogun State, Mrs. Ogbonnaya stated that she would receive transfer instructions from individuals working with Mrs. Margaret Emefiele and would await final standing order confirmation from Mrs. Emefiele before carrying out the instructions.
Mrs. Ogbonnaya explained that significant amounts of money were credited into the accounts of these companies from CBN on various dates.
The EFCC also pointed out that similar transactions were recorded almost every month across the country, and these inflows were allegedly for services rendered by the companies to the CBN.
The first Defendant, Olalekan Ojo SAN had prayed to court to recall one of the Prosecutor’s Witness, PWI who had testified running an errands for Emefiele, sending money to clients for cross-examination.
Justice Rahman Oshodi granted the request and subsequently adjourned for continuation of trial.