In a pivotal moment in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, a dispatch rider, Monday Osazuwa, testified at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja that Emefiele instructed him not to maintain any records of the money he allegedly collected on the former governor’s behalf.
Osazuwa, the first prosecution witness in the case, was recalled to the stand by Justice Rahman Oshodi.
Emefiele is facing serious charges of abuse of office and money laundering, amounting to approximately $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
During the hearing, Osazuwa stated that Emefiele directly advised him on several occasions to avoid documenting any transactions related to the money he received or delivered.
He further acknowledged the absence of any written records or acknowledgment from Emefiele or his co-accused, Henry Omoile, regarding the funds.
The testimony raised concerns about the lack of witnesses during the handover of the money to Emefiele.
This was preceded by statements from the fifth prosecution witness, Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, a business relationship manager at Zenith Bank, who confirmed ongoing communication with Emefiele’s wife, Margaret, regarding the accounts of three companies.
However, she indicated that the documents available did not link Emefiele to the transactions, nor did they connect Omoile to any dealings.
The court also heard from a sixth prosecution witness, John Ogah, a former Zenith Bank staff member and secretary to the CBN governor, who further added to the prosecution’s case.
Justice Oshodi has adjourned the trial until Wednesday, October 30, for further proceedings, as the prosecution seeks to build its case against Emefiele amid increasing scrutiny over the alleged financial misconduct.