A prosecution witness within the ongoing trial of the previous Central Financial institution Governor (CBN), Godwin Emefiele on Tuesday narrated to the Federal Excessive Courtroom in Lagos how he allegedly used his firms to acquire a number of contracts from the apex financial institution.
The witness, Mrs. Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, who’s a enterprise relationship supervisor with Zenith Financial institution plc, advised the trial decide, Justice Rahman Oshodi, that the businesses are Limelight Multidimensional Ltd, Come Assist Providers Ltd, Ambswin Sources Ltd and Magofarm.
The previous CBN boss was arraigned earlier than the courtroom alongside one Herry Omoile on allegations of accepting gratification, accepting presents by brokers, corruption, and fraudulent property receipt
The anti-graft company additionally accused the defendant of conferring corrupt benefit on his associates opposite to the Corrupt Practices Act 2000.
The defendants, nonetheless, pleaded not responsible to the fees.
Mrs. Ogbonnaya, who’s the fifth prosecution witness, advised the courtroom that she by no means had any direct dealings with the ex-CBN governor however that she was receiving directions from his spouse, Mrs Margaret Emefiele, to switch money move from the CBN into their non-public firm’s Zenith Checking account.
The witness additionally testified that other than Mrs Emefiele, she additionally acquired directions from two different individuals, Mr John Ogah and Mr Opeyemi Oludimu, who works for Emefiele.
The banker, who was led in proof by the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), knowledgeable the decide that she acquired the directions through her official e-mail and at occasions by cellphone calls or WhatsApp.
Mrs. Ogbonnaya additional claimed that it was one Emmanuel who opened the accounts for Emefiele’s firms however that it was taken over by a brand new set of signatories in 2021.
She alleged that the 2 signatories to the accounts are Mr Stephen and Mrs Patricia, however Mrs Emefiele instructed all switch directions to that account.
The witness stated, “Every time she sends us directions or sends it by the opposite two those that work with them, I normally verify from her.
“The Limelight manages the amenities of CBN, situated at Alakija. The distributors all the time did all transactions about energy and fixing issues that weren’t working.
“To date, Answabian was used to offer diesel to their distributors.
“They’ve a printing and minting firm situated at Ikoyi. For Kome, there have been additionally amenities for the CBN Visitor Home in Ikoyi,” she acknowledged.
The banker additional advised the courtroom that between March 9 and 11, 2015, the account acquired money move from CBN of the sums of N1,792,593 and N18,869,400.
She claimed, “On February 22, 2021, there was a money move of N42,988,758.75 from CBN; on July 21, 2022, there was a money move of N37,279,964.70 On October 21, 2022, there was a credit score move of N44,641,077.60; on Might 10, 2023, there was a money move of N93,100,000 from CBN, amongst others.
Earlier, Justice Oshodi granted Emefiele’s request to recall the primary prosecution witness Monday Obaze for re-cross-examination.
The case has been adjourned to July 10 for the continuation of the trial.
