In a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings, a dispatch rider, Monday Osazuwa, took the stand on Friday and testifies to his involvement in collecting substantial sums of money on behalf of the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Osazuwa told the Special Offences Court in Lagos that Emefiele instructed him to collect $3 million in tranches.
Led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Osazuwa detailed his tenure as a dispatch rider for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Transitioning from Zenith Bank to the CBN in 2014, he worked under Emefiele’s leadership as a contract staff member.
Osazuwa testified about his role, revealing Emefiele’s continued engagement with him for various tasks after becoming CBN Governor. He detailed collecting money and delivering it as instructed.
During the testimony, Osazuwa highlighted his direct involvement in facilitating financial transactions on behalf of Emefiele, shedding light on the alleged activities.
Osazuwa testified that Emefiele, his former boss at Zenith Bank, continued engaging him for various tasks as CBN Governor. The witness recounted instances where Emefiele directed him to collect envelopes containing cash from different individuals, totaling $3 million. Despite his significant role in facilitating these transactions, Osazuwa claimed that Emefiele never rewarded him for his services.
Osazuwa testified about receiving instructions from Emefiele, collecting money, and delivering it to either Emefiele or Henry Isioma-Omoile. Instructions were executed promptly.
Furthermore, this direct involvement in financial transactions illuminates Osazuwa’s pivotal role in facilitating alleged activities on behalf of Emefiele.
Osazuwa also mentioned his involvement in collecting cheques from a company called MINL Limited and delivering them to Emefiele, who would then deposit the funds into the account of Dummies Oil and Gas.
However, the court adjourned the case to April 29, indicating that further legal proceedings are yet to unfold despite Osazuwa’s compelling testimony. As the trial continues, Osazuwa’s revelations shed light on the intricate financial dealings allegedly involving the former CBN Governor, Emefiele, raising questions about accountability and transparency at the highest levels of financial governance in Nigeria.
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