EFCC Files New Charges Against Ex-CBN Governor, Emiefele
By The9jaTREND
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed new corruption charges against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, accusing him of illegally acquiring a large estate in Abuja and laundering billions of naira through proxy accounts.
According to court documents made available to journalists, the EFCC filed an eight-count charge on Friday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The EFCC alleged that while he was CBN governor, Emefiele conspired with a man named Eric Ocheme —now on the run—to acquire a sprawling estate at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. The estate covers 150,462.86 square metres and contains 753 housing units.
Although the EFCC has not identified the legal owner of the estate, the agency had already secured a court order to seize the property and hand it over to the federal government.
However, Emefiele is appealing the ruling, asking the Court of Appeal in Abuja to reverse the decision.
Beyond the real estate claims, the EFCC said Emefiele used multiple proxy accounts to launder funds suspected to be proceeds of corruption:
The EFCC also accused Emefiele of forgery. In January 2021, he allegedly forged a legal document titled, “Irrevocable Power of Attorney Between MG Properties Limited and H and Y Business Global Limited” to mislead others into believing it was authentic.
The anti-corruption agency said these actions violated Sections 319, 362, and 364 of the Penal Code.
This latest case adds to a growing list of allegations against the former CBN chief. In Lagos, Emefiele is already facing charges related to the fraudulent allocation of $2 billion in foreign exchange, criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and unfair advantage.
Emefiele, however, continues to deny all allegations.
The EFCC said it will call at least 24 witnesses to testify and present evidence on the acquisition and development of the Lokogoma estate.
Emefiele served as CBN governor from 2014 until June 2023, when he was removed by President Bola Tinubu. He was arrested soon after by the State Security Services (SSS) and reportedly resigned while in custody.
He is also facing separate charges linked to the naira redesign and other financial misconduct during his time in office. (Premium Times)
