Former Secretary to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. John Ogah, has testified in court how former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele designated his niece as one of the beneficiaries of funds from an account allegedly managed on his behalf.
According to a report by Circleson Television, Ogah provided this testimony before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, where he served as the sixth prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During his examination by the Commission's legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, Ogah confirmed that Emefiele directed Ifeoma Ogbonnaya, the fifth prosecution witness and an account officer with Zenith Bank, to transfer funds to his niece, identified as Hannah.
In response, Emefiele's attorney, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, objected to this line of inquiry, questioning the relevance of the testimony, particularly since Hannah's name was not referenced in the charges. Ojo characterized the inquiry as an attempt to introduce a sensational aspect into the proceedings.
Conversely, the EFCC's counsel argued that the testimony was pertinent to the charges of abuse of office and the improper conferral of advantages on Emefiele's associates and immediate family members, including his spouse, Margaret.
Furthermore, through the witness, the EFCC submitted several email communications from Ogah to the account officer of three companies—Comec Support Services Ltd, Limelight Multidimensional Services Ltd, and Andswin Resources Limited—requesting the transfer of funds to designated beneficiaries.
The EFCC has alleged that these companies were utilized to facilitate the laundering of funds on behalf of the former CBN governor. Justice Rahman Oshodi subsequently adjourned the case to November 28, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
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