🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Witness in Emefiele trial admits no direct dealings with former CBN governor
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
During the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness, Richard Agulu, stated under cross-examination that he had no direct dealings with Emefiele. Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, testified that he received instructions and funds for transactions, including disbursing over N1.6bn, through Emefiele's personal assistant, Eric Ocheme. He clarified that he never received money directly from Emefiele nor witnessed him hand over any funds. Agulu also admitted he did not have Emefiele's phone number and never spoke with him directly, with all communications attributed to Emefiele coming via Ocheme. The defense sought to tender Agulu's statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to refresh his memory, which was admitted after initial objections were withdrawn. Emefiele is facing an eight-count charge related to the alleged unlawful acquisition of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja and concealment of funds in proxy accounts, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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