The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh criminal charges against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, accusing him of fraudulently acquiring a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja through proxies and laundering billions of naira during his tenure.
Emefiele New Charges Filed In Abuja Court
On Friday, the EFCC submitted an eight-count charge to the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
It alleges that Emefiele conspired with his now-fugitive associate, Eric Ocheme, to acquire the estate at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District in August 2021.
The property spans over 150,000 square metres.
After securing a court order, the EFCC handed the estate to the federal government.
However, Emefiele later challenged the forfeiture at the Court of Appeal.
Billions Moved Through Proxy Accounts
Furthermore, the EFCC claims Emefiele used front companies to launder ₦6.92 billion between 2019 and 2022.
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For example, nearly ₦6.2 billion allegedly flowed through Kelvito Integrated Services Ltd’s Zenith Bank account.
Meanwhile, Ifedigo Integrated Services moved another ₦1.5 billion through its own account.
Forgery Used To Cover Transactions
In addition, the EFCC accuses Emefiele of forging an “Irrevocable Power of Attorney” to legitimise the estate acquisition.
He allegedly created the document to falsely represent a deal between MG Properties Limited and H & Y Business Global Limited.
Multiple Legal Battles Ahead
These new charges build on existing allegations.
Currently, Emefiele faces trial over a $2 billion foreign exchange scandal and separate charges linked to the naira redesign policy.
Despite mounting pressure, he maintains his innocence and vows to fight the charges.
The EFCC has prepared 24 witnesses to support its case in court.
