Emmanuel OchayiIn a twist at the Special Offences Court in Lagos, a dispatch rider, Monday Osazuwa, disclosed how he was instructed by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to collect the sum of $3 million cash in different installments.
Osazuwa, who testified under oath, recounted his experiences to the court, stating, “I was given an envelope. I counted the money (in it) and was told to give it to my boss.”
He further elaborated, “Whenever I received the money and took it to my boss’ residence, Mr. Emefiele would tell me to give it to the second defendant (Omoile) whenever he was not home.”
According to Osazuwa, these transactions occurred while Emefiele was serving as Managing Director of Zenith Bank and later as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The witness clarified that he had never been rewarded or compensated for these services rendered. He asserted, “I did not keep a record of the transactions because he instructed me that I should collect the money and bring it to his house.”
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Emefiele, who is facing charges of abuse of office and fraud amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion, was granted bail in the sum of N50 million. His co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoil, was also granted bail.
Despite efforts by the defense counsel to adjourn the proceedings, Justice Raman Oshodi refused and adjourned the case till April 29, 2024, for trial.
The disclosure by Osazuwa sheds light on the intricacies of the case against Emefiele and underscores the gravity of the allegations leveled against him.
The courtroom was packed as Osazuwa’s testimony unfolded, with observers keenly following every detail of the proceedings.
Emefiele and his co-defendant maintain their innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
As the trial progresses, the revelations presented by witnesses like Osazuwa will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case.
The adjournment to April 29 sets the stage for further legal battles and intense scrutiny of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense teams.
