I deposited billions in cash for Emefiele, witness tells court

 

A prosecution witness in the alleged N7.8 billion fraud trial of Godwin Emefiele has told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court that he deposited billions of naira in cash on behalf of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Richard Agulu, who testified as the third prosecution witness (PW3) before Yusuf Halilu, presiding judge, on Tuesday, said the cash was delivered by Eric Ocheme, identified as Emefiele’s personal assistant.

Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, made the allegation during cross-examination by Matthew Burkaa, the defendant’s counsel.

He said the funds were either paid into the accounts of Ifeabigo Integrated Services and Kelvito Integrated Services, or kept in the bank’s vault, based on instructions allegedly conveyed by Emefiele through Ocheme.

The witness told the court that throughout his time at the bank, he acted on Emefiele’s orders, receiving cash from Ocheme and disbursing as directed.

Agulu, who said he spent 17 years in the banking sector, added that withdrawals from the accounts of Ifeabigo Integrated Services and Kelvito Integrated Services were authorised by the account signatories.

He also said he received verbal approval from his superiors to handle the transactions.

“For every transaction, I followed normal banking transaction procedures. I followed the steps for cash deposition but there are different scenarios for different transactions,” the witness said.

“There are waivers for some certain customers who can bring cash into the bank. I was not given a written approval but I was given a waiver to attend to the transaction of the defendant which was verbal from my superiors.

“I cannot mention names. I don’t want to put somebody in trouble.”

Agulu further testified that he supervised the transfer of N1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited.

Halilu subsequently adjourned the case until November 3, 4 and 5 for continuation of trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery and unlawful possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Although Ocheme was mentioned in the charge, he is said to be at large.