A key witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele testified that Emefiele instructed him not to keep records of over $3 million cash collected on his behalf. The revelations highlight serious allegations of money laundering and raise concerns about accountability in Nigeria’s financial sector.
In a dramatic session at the Ikeja special offences court, Monday Osasuwa, a senior supervisor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), provided pivotal testimony in the ongoing trial of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele. Osasuwa revealed that Emefiele had instructed him not to maintain any records of cash transactions amounting to over $3 million that he collected on Emefiele's behalf.
During the proceedings, Osasuwa recounted how he was used as an intermediary to collect the funds in multiple installments. When questioned by Emefiele's lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, about his access to Emefiele, Osasuwa stated that he did not have direct communication with Emefiele at all times, especially before he became a senior supervisor. Ojo further probed into whether Osasuwa's role required him to undertake personal errands for Emefiele, to which Osasuwa responded affirmatively, explaining that he was obliged to follow his boss's directives.
The witness disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had implicated him in a money laundering case due to the nature of his tasks. He indicated that Emefiele specifically instructed him not to document any of the cash movements. “I did not produce any document because my boss told me not to produce any records,” Osasuwa testified, underscoring the complexities surrounding their relationship and the seriousness of the allegations facing Emefiele.
As the court hearing continues, Osasuwa's revelations raise significant questions about accountability within Nigeria's financial institutions and the governance of public funds.
