New revelations regarding the alleged fraud involving the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, have surfaced.
In the recently revised charges presented before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alleges that Emefiele engaged in impersonation of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to unlawfully acquire $6.2 million.
According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2m from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.”
The EFCC, Emefiele, said the SGF requested the CBN to release “a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000.00 in line with Mr. President’s directive.”
The anti-graft agency said Emefiele made the claim despite knowing that it was false, “and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.”
Additionally, the anti-graft agency alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.
He is said to have allegedly connived with the fleeing Ocheme to commit the “illegal act to wit: forgery.”
Moreover, Emefiele faces allegations of bestowing corrupt advantages upon his wife, Omoile Margaret, and brother-in-law, Omoile Macombo. This involves purportedly granting a contract worth N99.8 million for the renovation of a section of the CBN Governor’s residence in Lagos.
According to the anti-graft agency, the contract for renovating the CBN Governor’s lodge at No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited, a company where both individuals serve as directors and hold the majority shares. The EFCC contends that this act by Emefiele violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The amended charge sheet outlines a total of 20 counts against Emefiele.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Matthew Bukka, representing the accused, requested the court to remove the restrictions on his client, providing assurance that there would be no bail violation if the restrictions were lifted.
The EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not object to the request. However, he requested that Emefiele provide a written undertaking, committing to stay within the country if the plea for lifting the restrictions was granted.
“From experience, we have seen cases where travel documents are with the court and the defendant will travel out of the country. What they usually do is go to the immigration and depose an affidavit that their travelling documents are missing.
“So in addition to his travelling documents being with the court, he should write an undertaking that the defendant will remain in Nigeria for the duration of his trial. I am not in any way suggesting the defendant will jump bail,” Oyedepo said.
Ruling, the judge held, “The defendant’s application is hereby granted. He must remain in the country for the pendency of his trial.”
The court thereafter adjourned until today (Friday) for him to enter his plea on the revised charges.
