Nigeria's former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele trial over $6.2 million fraud

Former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele is on trial before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on an eight‑count charge that includes illegal withdrawal of roughly $6.2 million from the CBN’s special dollar account, forgery of a power‑of‑attorney document and unlawful acquisition of a 753‑unit housing estate in Abuja.

Prosecution witness Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, testified that he received an oral waiver to transfer more than N5 billion into accounts of Ifeadi​go Integrated Services and Kelvinto Investments, and later to MG Properties Limited, without following bank procedures. He said the instructions came from Eric Ocheme, identified as Emefiele’s personal assistant, and that he never met Emefiele in person.

Special investigator Jim Obazee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, told the court that former President Muhammadu Buhari should be tried posthumously for the same alleged fraud and that former CBN board chair Boss Mustapha should also face prosecution. The court adjourned the case for further hearing on 3 November. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges.