The testimony of Mr. Monday Osazuwa in the Ikeja Special Offences Court sheds light on alleged incidents involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele. According to Osazuwa, he was directed by Emefiele on multiple occasions to collect significant sums of money, totaling millions of dollars, in cash,Daily Trust reports.
Osazuwa, who was employed by the CBN, recounted receiving instructions from Emefiele, both directly and through a co-defendant, to collect cash from various individuals and deliver it to Emefiele, or in some cases, to the co-defendant. He mentioned instances where he was given envelopes containing money, which he then delivered to Emefiele or the co-defendant.
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The witness indicated that these transactions occurred both when Emefiele was present in Lagos and when he was away, with instructions sometimes given via phone calls. Additionally, Osazuwa mentioned his involvement in collecting cheques for Dumies Oil and Gas, a company allegedly linked to Emefiele.
During cross-examination, Osazuwa confirmed his long-standing association with Emefiele since 2002 and stated that he had been collecting cheques for Dumies Oil and Gas since his time at Zenith Bank, where Emefiele was previously employed.
The trial, which involves Emefiele facing charges including abuse of office, accepting gratifications, and other corrupt practices, has seen the defendants pleading not guilty. The case is set to continue on April 29, with the judge rejecting requests for adjournment.
