Dispatch Rider Testifies: Emefiele Directed $3m Cash Collection

Monday Osazuwa, a dispatch rider, shared in Lagos’ Special Offences Court on Friday how Godwin Emefiele, former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, instructed him to collect $3 million in cash over several instances.

Led by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Osazuwa recounted his tenure at Zenith Bank since 2001 before joining CBN as a contract staff member in 2014, during which Emefiele served as Managing Director.

Working under Emefiele at Zenith Bank, Osazuwa transitioned to the CBN, eventually becoming a full-time senior supervisor in Lagos, responsible for document recording and filing.

In 2020, Emefiele instructed Osazuwa to collect cash from an individual’s office, directing him to deliver it. Osazuwa noted Emefiele usually handled money collection in Lagos alone, but in his absence, directed Osazuwa to deliver cash to Henry Omoile.

Osazuwa revealed Emefiele sent him to MINL Limited during his tenure at Zenith Bank, collecting cheques from the company for Emefiele, later deposited into Dummies Oil and Gas’ account.

Additionally, Osazuwa noted Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, resided in Emefiele’s Ikoyi residence, where Osazuwa delivered collected money.

While cross-examined by defence counsel Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Osazuwa confirmed his long-standing employment with Emefiele.

Earlier, Justice Oshodi granted Emefiele bail at N50 million, with two sureties employed, having three years of tax payment to Lagos State, proper identification, and registration in the Lagos State Bail Management System.

Emefiele and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Oshodi adjourned the case till April 29, 2024, for trial.