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Emefiele’s aide collected $17.1m over 3 years – EFCC investigator

Published

9 months ago

May 28, 2025

Godwin Emefiele

Emefiele’s aide collected $17.1m over 3 years – EFCC investigator

An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Alvan Gurumnaan, has told an Ikeja High Court that an aide to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, allegedly received a total of $17.1 million on his behalf over a three-year period.

The revelation was made during Emefiele’s ongoing trial, where he is facing a 19-count charge related to alleged gratification and corrupt practices during his tenure as CBN governor.

Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is also standing trial on a separate three-count charge involving the unlawful acceptance of gifts in the course of his duties as an agent.

The duo are charged with fraud totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

Gurumnaan, an Assistant Commandant with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said that he was assigned to head a special operations unit tasked with investigating both defendants.

He was led in evidence by the EFCC lead counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

The witness told the court that the anti-graft agency had earlier received several intelligence reports against Emefiele, even while he was in office.

He said the reports bordered on allegations of abuse of office, demanding and receiving gratification, procurement fraud, and living above his means.

The witness told the court that one of the former CBN governor’s close aides, Mr Monday Osazuwa, received a total of 17.1 million dollars from a businessman at an address in Victoria Island, Lagos, between September 2020 and June 2023.

“Osazuwa collected these sums in various tranches and delivered them to Emefiele at his Ikoyi residence,” he said.

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Gurumnaan also stated that part of the money was handed to one Henry Omoile, on Emefiele’s instruction.

“The special operations team launched a far-reaching investigation, issuing multiple requests for documents and inviting key staff from several CBN departments.

“One name that surfaced repeatedly during the investigation was that of Eric Odoh, Emefiele’s former personal assistant.

“All efforts to bring Odoh in for questioning were unsuccessful as he had absconded and was traced to the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries,” he said.

The investigator also said that EFCC wrote to agencies such as the Code of Conduct Bureau and Corporate Affairs Commission, seeking more information.

He said it was during the investigation that some staff members who worked directly under Emefiele either at the CBN’s headquarters or at the Lagos annex were questioned.

The witness said there were instances where Emefiele’s aide said he handed the money directly to Emefiele.

“The aide said Emefiele always confirms the receipt of the sums of money with the businessman in question over the phone after each transaction.

“The contact person was also invited for questioning and he confirmed giving Emefiele’s aide a total sum of $17.1 million.

“The team also examined the phone of the businessman, and some WhatsApp chats were revealed and printed at the EFCC Lagos office for use during the trial,” he said.

When the prosecution sought to tender the printed documents as exhibits, counsel to Emefiele, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), did not object.

However, counsel to Emefiele’s co-defendant, Mr Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), urged the court to allow him to tender his objections during the final written address.

The judge agreed and admitted the documents as exhibits. However, the defence counsel requested leave of court to conduct an independent forensic examination of the exhibits.

The defence submitted that it would be beneficial for them during cross-examination.

The court thereafter ordered them to file a formal application to that effect, to enable the prosecution to file an appropriate response.

The case was adjourned until to Oct. 7 for continuation of trial.

Emefiele’s aide collected $17.1m over 3 years – EFCC investigator

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Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

Published

7 hours ago

February 13, 2026

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Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, an Islamic cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, before the court on February 18, 2026. The order follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of the cleric challenging the legality of his detention.

Justice Peter Lifu emphasised that in a democratic society, all security and intelligence agencies are subordinate to civil authority, noting that every citizen is entitled to protection under Sections 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He also reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitments to international human rights conventions require strict adherence to lawful detention procedures.

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The suit, filed by Sheikh Zaria’s legal team led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Abdul Aliyu (SAN), and Mohammed Sheriff, names the DIA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc as respondents. The lawyers are seeking either the cleric’s release or an explanation for his continued detention.

During Thursday’s hearing, DIA counsel I.O. Odom Esq informed the court that the cleric was being held on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but could not provide a valid detention order. The EFCC’s counsel, M.C. Odimbaiwe Esq, supported this position. Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and set February 18 for the DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria or justify his detention, warning that failure to do so could influence the outcome of the rights enforcement case.

Family sources linked Sheikh Zaria’s detention to an ₦2 million gift sent to the cleric’s account by an adherent connected to a suspect in the broader coup allegation. Since December 11, 2025, the cleric has reportedly been held in “safe custody” without access to family or associates, prompting his lawyers to argue that his fundamental rights have been violated.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about civil liberties, human rights, and lawful detention in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile national security investigations. The court’s ruling will be closely watched as it addresses the balance between state security and individual rights.

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

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End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Published

7 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government following the formal end of the controversial Monday sit‑at‑home directive across the South‑East region.

In a statement issued on Friday by his legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho applauded Kanu for suspending the weekly protest, which had disrupted economic and social activities in the region for over five years. The directive, first introduced in August 2021, led to periodic shutdowns of markets, offices, schools, and transport services, severely affecting local businesses and daily life.

Describing the suspension as a “thoughtful and necessary” step, Igboho noted that ending the sit‑at‑home signals a shift toward constructive engagement and could help restore stability and economic normalcy in the South‑East. He said the move represents the conclusion of a five-year period of economic disruption that has hampered growth and development in the region.

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Beyond applauding the abolition of the civil disobedience measure, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a conciliatory approach, opening channels for mediation and negotiation with the Federal Government. He emphasised that sustained dialogue could help break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and potentially pave the way for a political resolution to longstanding grievances.

Igboho also warned that those who profit from the destabilisation and violence in the South‑East should desist, highlighting the importance of peace for the economic recovery and prosperity of the region and the nation at large.

“This is a critical moment for the South‑East. True progress depends on dialogue, compromise, and the willingness of all parties to engage constructively,” the statement read. Igboho’s remarks reflect a growing call among activists and stakeholders for peaceful resolution and collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.

The end of the Monday sit‑at‑home has been welcomed by several civil society groups and business leaders, who view it as a key step toward restoring normalcy, resuming commerce, and promoting social cohesion in the South‑East.

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

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EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

Published

8 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

The suspects were arrested following a viral video circulated on social media where they were seen cleaning mucus from their noses using N500 Naira notes

EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged naira mutilation following a viral social media video showing them misusing the Nigerian currency.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects — Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad, and Bashir Musa — were apprehended by operatives of the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.

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According to the commission, the trio was seen in a widely circulated video cleaning mucus from their noses using ₦500 naira notes, an act described as abuse and defacement of the national currency.

The statement said the suspects were traced and arrested within the Maiduguri metropolis shortly after the video surfaced online and triggered public reactions.

They are currently being held at the EFCC’s Maiduguri detention facility while investigations continue. The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, abuse, defacement, spraying, or improper handling of the naira constitutes an offence punishable under Nigerian law. The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on cases involving naira abuse and currency mutilation across the country.

The latest arrest underscores the agency’s renewed enforcement drive aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.