The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to illegally obtain $6.2 million.
The allegation is contained in the latest amended charge, which was presented before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2m from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.”
The EFCC alleged that Emefiele claimed that the SGF requested the CBN to release “a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000.00 in line with Mr. President’s directive.”
It further said Emefiele made the claim despite knowing that it was false “and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.”
In the amended charge, the EFCC further alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.
He was said to have allegedly connived with the fleeing Ocheme to commit the “illegal act to wit: forgery.”
Emefiele was further accused of conferring corrupt advantage on his wife, Omoile Margret, and brother-in-law, Omoile Macombo, by allegedly awarding a contract for the renovation of a portion of the CBN Governor’s residence in Lagos to the tune of N99.8 million.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge, located at No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited, “wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders.”
The EFCC said Emefiele’s alleged action was a violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The amended charge sheet contains a total of 20 counts against Emefiele.
Justice adjourned till today (Friday) for Emefiele to take his plea on the amended charges.
END.