EFCC declares Emefiele’s wife, 3 others wanted for money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Margaret Emefiele, the wife of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and three others wanted for alleged money laundering.

Others declared wanted alongside Emefiele’s wife are Eric Ocheme Odoh, Anita Joy Omoile, and her husband, Jonathan Omoile.

The EFCC made the declaration on Friday night.

They were declared wanted by the anti-graft agency for allegedly conspiring with the former CBN Governor “to convert huge sums of money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria and committed felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretences, and stealing, contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”

The Star recalls that the EFCC, in January 2024, filed against Emefiele an amended 20-count charge of criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others.

The former CBN boss is being prosecuted by the EFCC for N1.8 billion and $6.2 million fraud.

In some of the amended charges, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled, “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions”, and dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

20-count charges: I’m not guilty, Emefiele pleads

The anti-graft agency alleged that Emefiele made the claim knowing the same to be false.

According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated January 26 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.”

The commission added that “the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge, located at  No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Ltd, wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders.”

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 17 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, also, sections 315, 363, and 364 of the penal code.

The former CBN Governor, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his plea, and the prayer of his counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), for him to remain on his existing bail condition, Justice Hamza Muazu, granted it.

Justice Muazu then adjourned until February 12 for the commencement of trial since the prosecution did not object to the prayer.

The EFCC had, in August, first charged Emefiele, Mrs Sa’adatu Yaro, and a company, April 1616 Investment Limited, purported to belong to Yaro, on alleged breach of the Procurement Act in respect of the purchase of some vehicles.

The Star