This was revealed by Monday Osasuwa, the first prosecution
witness, during his testimony on Monday at the Ikeja Special Offences Court.
Under examination by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Emefiele's counsel,
Osasuwa explained that as a former dispatch rider and later a senior supervisor
at the CBN, he had been tasked with collecting cash in tranches amounting to $3
million on multiple occasions. He stated that he was instructed by Emefiele not
to document these transactions.
“He advised me not to write anything down for all the
money I was bringing to him,” Osasuwa told the court, adding, “I did not
produce any document because my boss told me not to produce any records. I will
only obey my boss.”
When questioned further by Ojo about his
responsibilities, Osasuwa clarified that while he did not have a direct
supervisor, he took orders from Emefiele’s secretary at the CBN. Despite his
official role, he indicated that he was expected to run personal errands for
Emefiele, including handling large sums of cash.
Osasuwa also revealed that he is facing possible charges by
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to money laundering
due to his involvement in transporting the funds. “I have been carrying some
dollars for him, so the EFCC tagged it money laundering. It was based on the
messages my boss sent me,” he said.
The witness further
testified that on occasions when Emefiele was unavailable, he was directed to
hand over the cash to the second defendant in the case.
Justice Rahman Oshodi had granted an application by Ojo to recall Osasuwa for additional questioning, leading to Monday's revelations. The trial continues as the court examines the allegations surrounding Emefiele’s tenure at Nigeria’s apex bank.
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