A former Zenith Bank employee testified before an Abuja court that he processed billions of naira in cash deposits for ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele on instructions relayed through his personal assistant.
A former Zenith Bank employee has dropped a bombshell in court, telling the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that he personally processed cash deposits running into billions of naira for ex-Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
Richard Agulu, testifying as the third prosecution witness in the EFCC’s ₦7.8 billion fraud case against Emefiele, said he received large cash sums from Eric Ocheme, identified as the former CBN boss’s personal assistant. The money, he said, was either paid into accounts belonging to Ifeabigo Integrated Services and Kelvito Integrated Services, or stored in the bank’s vault.
According to Daily Trust, under cross-examination by defence counsel Mathew Burkaa, SAN, Agulu insisted every transaction followed standard banking procedures, adding that he had a “verbal waiver” from his superiors to handle Emefiele’s dealings. He declined, however, to name the officials who allegedly gave him that clearance.
Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned further proceedings as the EFCC continues building its case against Emefiele, who faces an amended 20-count charge covering criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, unlawful possession of property, and conferring corrupt advantage. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The Abuja trial is one of several EFCC prosecutions against Emefiele since his suspension as CBN governor in June 2023. He also faces separate criminal trials in Lagos over alleged abuse of office, unlawful gratification, and foreign exchange-related transactions worth billions of naira and millions of dollars.
Emefiele has consistently denied all allegations against him and continues to contest the charges in court.
NEWS NOW:
