The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that it recovered $2.045 million in cash and several property documents during investigations involving Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
An EFCC operative, David Jaiyeoba, who appeared as the 12th prosecution witness, said the recovery followed findings from bank records, approvals and internal documents obtained during the commission’s investigation.
While giving evidence, Jaiyeoba explained that investigators uncovered internal memoranda from the CBN approving payments for renovation, landscaping, furnishing and power installation at Emefiele’s official residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. He told the court that some of the approvals authorised payments to Architeco Nigeria Limited for work carried out at the property.
The witness identified documents showing approval for the payment of N97.9 million to the firm for the supply of office furniture, noting that the request was approved by the former CBN governor. He also referred to another internal memo connected to the installation of dedicated power lines at the residence, supported by interim payment certificates.
Jaiyeoba further told the court that the EFCC contacted Zenith Bank as part of the investigation and received responses detailing transactions on Emefiele’s account. According to him, one of the records showed a transfer of N4 million to Architeco Nigeria Limited in January 2015.
The witness said the investigation also led to the recovery of $2.045 million in cash and several property title documents from the headquarters of Zenith Bank Plc in Lagos. He added that the items were found in the custody of Collins Omeke, identified as a lawyer to the defendant.
According to Jaiyeoba, Omeke told investigators that he had been purchasing properties and processing title documents on Emefiele’s instructions, using cash provided in United States dollars. He said the lawyer also disclosed that some of the funds were delivered by one Eric Ocheme Udoh and that part of the money was used to renovate some properties.
At the close of proceedings, the prosecution requested additional hearing dates in March 2026 to continue its case. The defence did not oppose the request but cautioned against repeated presentation of similar evidence.
In his ruling, the trial judge, Hamza Muazu, expressed concern about the pace of the prosecution’s case but granted the adjournment. The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 5, 16 and 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
