Witness Denies Direct Payment from Emefiele in Fraud Case

Richard Agulu, a witness in the ongoing property fraud case against former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, testified that he never received money directly from Emefiele. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed eight counts against Emefiele related to a property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, which measures 150,462.86 square meters and consists of 753 housing units.

During cross-examination by defense counsel Matthew Burkaa, Agulu stated that any funds were received through Emefiele's personal assistant, Eric Ochem, and he could not recall the phone number associated with the transactions. Agulu admitted that he did not specifically mention receiving instructions directly from Emefiele in his extra-judicial statement to the EFCC.

He confirmed that transactions were executed using bank instruments, specifically checks, and not through electronic communications. The case has been adjourned until April 22 for continued cross-examination.