Fraud trial: EFCC witness admits Emefiele not linked to Zenith Bank accounts

A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday failed to establish a direct link between former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and several accounts held in Zenith Bank in connection with an alleged property fraud case.

Emefiele, alongside a co-defendant, Eric Ocheme (currently at large), is facing trial before an Abuja High Court over alleged property fraud and illegal possession of funds. The disputed property, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, covers 150,462.86 square metres and reportedly comprises 753 housing units.

At the resumed hearing, the first prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). Arhyel testified that funds were received and deposited into the accounts of three companies — MG Properties Limited, Ifedigo Integrated Services, and Kelvito Integrated Services.

He also listed some cash depositors and individuals involved in fund transfers, including Chukwuma Opara, Peters Adebayo, and Wilson.

However, under cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), the witness admitted that he did not know the owners of the accounts. He also confirmed that he was never invited by the EFCC to make a statement regarding the accounts and that he had signed a certificate of compliance on May 29 without prior knowledge that he would be called to testify.

When asked if Emefiele’s name appeared on any of the account-opening documents, Arhyel replied, “No.”

Following the cross-examination, Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned the case until November 26 for the continuation of trial.

Earlier in the proceedings, Emefiele’s counsel challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, arguing that his client was not linked to the charges and that the case should be dismissed. Burkaa, in his preliminary objection supported by affidavits and a written address, urged the court to quash the charges.

In response, prosecution counsel Oyedepo opposed the application, maintaining that Emefiele was properly linked to the alleged offences and that the trial should proceed.

The EFCC, in the charges, accused Emefiele and Ocheme of unlawfully possessing and controlling a housing estate suspected to have been acquired with illicit funds. The anti-graft agency also alleged that the duo were in possession of ₦167 million and ₦1.23 billion in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account, as well as ₦900 million and ₦600 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account, all domiciled in Zenith Bank.

The EFCC maintained that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.