“Emefiele always confirmed receipt of the money via phone after each transaction”
$17.1 Million in Cash: EFCC Investigator Alleges Emefiele’s Aide Delivered Bags of Dollars Over Three Years
Explosive testimony emerged in an Ikeja High Court as an investigator from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that a close aide to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, received a staggering $17.1 million in cash on his behalf over a three-year span.
Mr. Alvan Gurumnaan, an Assistant Commandant with the EFCC, revealed this while giving evidence in the ongoing trial of Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge involving corruption, illegal gratification, and abuse of office. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, stands accused on three counts relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts.
The charges against the duo include fraud totaling $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
Led in evidence by EFCC lead counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Gurumnaan disclosed that intelligence reports against Emefiele had been received even during his time in office. The allegations included “abuse of office, procurement fraud, receiving gratification, and living beyond his known means.”
According to the investigator, Mr. Monday Osazuwa, a close aide to Emefiele, allegedly collected the $17.1 million from a businessman at a location in Victoria Island, Lagos, between September 2020 and June 2023.
“Osazuwa collected these sums in various tranches and delivered them to Emefiele at his Ikoyi residence,” Gurumnaan stated.
He further testified that part of the funds was reportedly handed over to co-defendant Henry Omoile on Emefiele’s instructions.
In a sweeping investigation, Gurumnaan said the EFCC’s special operations team issued document requests and invited several CBN staff for questioning. “One name that surfaced repeatedly was Eric Odoh, Emefiele’s former personal assistant,” he said, adding that Odoh has since absconded and is believed to be moving between the UK, Canada, and other countries.
The EFCC also contacted the Code of Conduct Bureau and Corporate Affairs Commission during their probe.
In his testimony, Gurumnaan said the businessman who allegedly paid the bribes confirmed the transactions and showed WhatsApp chats as proof. “Emefiele always confirmed receipt of the money via phone after each transaction,” he said.
The prosecution sought to tender the printed WhatsApp conversations as evidence. While Emefiele’s lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), did not object, Mr. Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), counsel to Omoile, reserved his objections for the final written address.
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the documents but granted the defence permission to formally apply for an independent forensic examination of the exhibits.
The court adjourned the case to October 7 for continuation of trial. Read More
