Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been released from custody after meeting the bail conditions set by the Court.
Emefiele, who had been in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was granted bail by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja. The bail was set at N50 million with two sureties in like sum. Following the court proceedings, Emefiele left for his home.
The trial commenced immediately after the bail was granted, with the EFCC calling its first prosecution witness, Monday Osazuwa, a staff of the CBN. Osazuwa testified how he was directed by Emefiele to collect large sums of cash on different occasions.
He detailed his interactions with Emefiele and his duties, including handling transactions for Dumies Oil and Gas Limited, a company allegedly linked to Emefiele.
Osazuwa confirmed that Emefiele passed instructions to him through the second defendant, Henry Isioma Omoile, who lived in Emefiele’s residence. Despite being cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Osazuwa maintained the authenticity of his testimony.
Justice Oshodi denied a request for adjournment by the defense counsel, ruling it unjustified. The trial is set to continue on April 29, with applications requesting a closed session for some of the prosecution’s witnesses to be heard.
