In a new twist to the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday failed to establish any direct link between Emefiele and a set of controversial bank accounts allegedly used in a multibillion-naira property fraud.
Emefiele, who served as CBN governor from 2014 to 2023, is standing trial before an Abuja High Court over allegations of property fraud and unlawful possession of funds. He is charged alongside Eric Ocheme, said to be at large.
The disputed property is located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, covering 150,462.86 square meters and reportedly consisting of 753 housing units.
Witness Admits Emefiele’s Name Not on Account Documents
At the resumed hearing on Friday, the first prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel, a compliance officer at Zenith Bank, testified under the examination of EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Arhyel narrated how funds were received and deposited into the accounts of three companies — MG Properties Limited, Ifedigo Integrated Services, and Kelvito Integrated Services — which the EFCC alleges were used to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities.
He also mentioned several individuals associated with deposits and transfers, including Chukwuma Opara, Peters Adebayo, and Wilson.
However, under cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), the witness conceded that he did not know the true owners of the accounts.
When asked if Emefiele’s name appeared on any of the account-opening documents, Arhyel replied: “No, his name does not appear on the accounts.”
He further told the court that he had not been invited by the EFCC to make any statement regarding the accounts prior to testifying and that he was unaware he would be called as a witness.
Emefiele Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction
Earlier in the proceedings, Emefiele’s lawyer had filed a preliminary objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter on the grounds that his client was not directly linked to the charges.
Burkaa informed the court that the objection sought three reliefs on six legal grounds, supported by affidavits and a written address. He urged the court to quash the charges, arguing that they lacked substance and legal foundation.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, however, opposed the motion, maintaining that the former CBN governor was properly linked to the offences and should face trial.
After hearing both parties, Justice Yusuf Halilu directed that the trial should continue while the objection would be addressed at a later stage.
The case was subsequently adjourned until November 26 for continuation of hearing.
EFCC’s Allegations
In count one, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele and Ocheme knowingly retained control of a housing estate suspected to be unlawfully acquired, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
In count two, they are accused of being in possession of ₦167 million held in the account of Kelvito Integrated Services, while count three involves ₦1.23 billion also domiciled in the same account.
Further counts link the defendants to ₦900 million and ₦600 million allegedly held in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account with Zenith Bank.
The EFCC contends that the funds were proceeds of illicit activities and that the defendants used the companies as proxies to conceal ownership and movement of the money.
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