A former Secretary to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), John Ogah, continued his testimony yesterday before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, revealing that his former boss, Godwin Emefiele, had listed his niece as one of the beneficiaries of funds from an account purportedly managed on his behalf.
Ogah, who is the 6th prosecution witness, made this statement while responding to questions from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo.
He informed the court that he was aware the former CBN Governor had directed the 5th prosecution witness, Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, an account officer with Zenith Bank, to transfer funds into the account of his niece, Hannah.
Emefiele’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olalekan Ojo, objected to this line of questioning, questioning its relevance, as Hannah’s name was not mentioned in the charges. He claimed it was an attempt to sensationalize the case.
In response, the EFCC counsel countered the objection, asserting that the testimony was pertinent to the matters at hand, including the abuse of office charge and allegations of conferring corrupt advantages on Emefiele’s associates and immediate family, including his wife, Margaret.
Through the witness, the EFCC also submitted several email messages he had sent to the account officer regarding three companies—Comec Support Services Ltd, Limelight Multidimensional Services Ltd, and Andswin Resources Limited—instructing fund transfers to specific beneficiaries.
The EFCC has alleged that these companies were involved in laundering money for the former CBN governor.
Justice Rahman Oshodi has adjourned the case until November 28, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
