In recent proceedings at the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Monday Osasuwa, a senior supervisor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), testified that former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele instructed him to refrain from formally acknowledging or documenting the receipt of over $3 million delivered on Emefiele’s behalf. Osasuwa, the first prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), explained that he managed the funds in several tranches under Emefiele’s direction.

During the session, Emefiele’s defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo, requested that Osasuwa be recalled to clarify his working relationship with the former governor. Osasuwa acknowledged, “Not in all cases, I do talk to him directly when he is around,” noting that he often communicated through Emefiele’s secretary and acted on instructions without question. When questioned on whether his duties included running personal errands, Osasuwa responded, “If my boss gives me instructions, I can’t refuse.”

Osasuwa’s handling of cash for Emefiele ultimately led to the EFCC charging him with money laundering. “I have been carrying some dollars for him, so the EFCC tagged it money laundering,” he remarked. Osasuwa also admitted that Emefiele had advised him against documenting the transactions, stating, “He advised me not to write anything down for all the money I was bringing to him.” He further testified that he didn’t keep records at Emefiele’s instruction, adding, “I did not keep any records because I won’t forget it. My boss asked me not to keep records.” If Emefiele was unavailable, Osasuwa stated he was instructed to deliver the funds to a second defendant in the case.

The testimony supports the EFCC’s case centered on alleged unrecorded financial transactions linked to Emefiele. The trial remains ongoing as the defense pursues further clarification of the witness’s statements.