The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh charges against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, accusing him of criminal conspiracy, unlawful acquisition of assets, and money laundering.
In an eight-count charge filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele, in collusion with a former aide, Eric Ocheme (now at large), illegally acquired 753 housing units located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
Billions Allegedly Laundered Through Proxy Accounts
According to the EFCC, Emefiele also operated billions of naira in various proxy accounts during his tenure as CBN governor:
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₦167 million was allegedly found in a proxy account with Zenith Bank in 2019.
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₦1.23 billion was held in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account in 2020.
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By 2022, the sum in the Kelvito account reportedly grew to ₦1.98 billion, also flagged as suspicious.
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An additional ₦900 million was allegedly stashed in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account at Zenith Bank.
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The same Ifedigo account allegedly received another ₦600 million, suspected to be unlawfully obtained.
Court Seizure and Appeal
The EFCC previously secured a court order to seize the entire Lokogoma estate and transfer it to the federal government. However, Emefiele has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn the ruling and regain control of the properties.
These latest charges deepen the legal woes of the embattled former CBN boss, who has faced increasing scrutiny since leaving office.
