Monday Osazuwa, a dispatch rider, captivated the Special Offences Court in Lagos with his testimony on Friday, revealing how the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, directed him on multiple occasions to collect $3 million in cash installments.
Led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Osazuwa recounted his employment history, stating he had been a dispatch rider at Zenith Bank since 2001 before joining the CBN as a contract staff member in 2014.
During his testimony before Justice Raman Oshodi, Osazuwa detailed his role as a senior supervisor (full-time) in charge of documenting and filing while working in the CBN Governor’s office in Lagos.
He explained that he would personally deliver the money to Emefiele’s residence at Iru Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, whenever he collected cash for his boss. Osazuwa disclosed that the largest amount he collected was $1 million, followed by subsequent sums of $850,000, $750,000, and $400,000 in various installments.
Despite his faithful service, Osazuwa stated he never received any reward or compensation from Emefiele. He emphasized that he acted out of loyalty, although Emefiele never offered him any form of gratification.
Emefiele was arraigned by the EFCC on Monday, April 8, on 23 counts related to abuse of office. He faces allegations of abusing his position and involvement in fraudulent activities amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
Justice Oshodi granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N50 million. Emefiele had been suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June of the previous year.