by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the declaration of Margaret Emefiele, the wife of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and three others, as wanted individuals for alleged involvement in money laundering activities.
Mrs. Emefiele, along with Mr. Eric Odoh, Anita Omoile, and her husband, Jonathan Omoile, are accused of collaborating with the former CBN Governor to convert significant amounts of money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The charges include obtaining money under false pretenses and theft, contravening Sections 411, 287, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Details of their alleged offenses were disclosed by the EFCC through a mugshot portrait of the four suspects late Friday night, urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the nearest EFCC Command or police station.
Additionally, it was revealed that Godwin Emefiele is facing charges of fraud amounting to ₦1.8 billion and $6.2 million. The Federal Government has amended the charges against him multiple times, with the latest amendment accusing him of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to illegally obtain $6.2 million.
In the amended charge, Emefiele is alleged to have forged documents and conspired with individuals to commit acts of forgery and corruption. He is also accused of awarding a contract for the renovation of a portion of the CBN Governor’s residence to a company in which his wife and brother-in-law hold majority shares.
The amended charge sheet contains a total of 20 counts against Emefiele, and he is scheduled to enter his plea at the next court hearing. Initially charged with procurement fraud amounting to N6.5 billion, Emefiele has since faced amendments to the charges, with the EFCC reducing the counts and revising the quantum of alleged fraud.
Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the EFCC has begun its trial, having called three witnesses prior to the latest amendment.
