Witness reveals how Emefiele transferred millions to wife’s account

The former apex bank chief is currently on trial in three courts located in Lagos and Abuja. His co-defendant is Henry Omoile.

In a separate corruption case, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has adjourned for a ruling on his request for permission to travel. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the request, arguing that Emefiele might abscond if he regained possession of his international passport.

In Lagos, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) led Mrs. Ogbonnaya in giving evidence. Ogbonnaya, a former business relationship manager, testified that she managed various accounts through which substantial funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were transferred.

She stated, “The accounts belong to Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, the ex-CBN governor’s wife. The companies sent transfer instructions to my email, and Margaret Emefiele is the beneficiary and owner of the funds.”

Ogbonnaya detailed the various sums transferred from the CBN into the accounts since 2015, listing the companies involved as Amswinh Resources and Solution, Limelight Dimensional Service Limited, Omec Support Service Limited, and Mango Farm.

“All transactions in the accounts were confirmed by Mrs. Emefiele before processing,” Ogbonnaya added. “She either sent transfer instructions directly to my official email or had two other individuals act on her behalf, but I always received her approval.”

The witness also mentioned receiving instructions from Mrs. Emefiele through email, phone calls, and WhatsApp. The transaction details were admitted into evidence.

The trial is set to continue today.