EFCC Witness Reveals $2 M Cash Recovered from Former CBN Governor’ s Lawyer
An EFCC operative testified that $ 2. 045 million in cash and several luxury properties were recovered from a lawyer representing ex- CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.
David Jaiyeoba, a prosecution witness, told the FCT High Court on Thursday that the EFCC recovered $ 2. 045 million from Collins Omeife, Emefiele’ s lawyer.
Jaiyeoba explained that the cash was found at the Zenith Bank headquarters in Lagos, along with various title documents for high- end real estate.
The witness stated that Omeife admitted during interrogation that the funds belonged to Emefiele and were regularly delivered in cash by Eric Ocheme, the former governor’ s personal assistant, to fund property purchases and renovations.
The testimony described an extensive portfolio of assets allegedly acquired using these illicit funds, including detached duplexes in Lekki Phase 1 and multiple luxury buildings in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Among the properties listed were a four- bedroom duplex on Probyn Road, eight apartment units on Adekunle Lawal Road, and a large industrial complex spanning 22 plots in Agbor, Delta State.
Jaiyeoba added that the investigation relied on internal CBN memoranda and bank statements linking the defendant to approvals for landscaping, furnishing, and power installations at these residences.
Emefiele is facing a 20- count amended charge, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and procurement fraud. The witness stated:
“My Lord, the funds, amounting to $ 2, 045, 2,045,000, alongside several properties and title documents were recovered from Zenith Bank Plc headquarters in Lagos, in the possession of one Mr. Collins Omeife, a lawyer to the defendant.”
He also said the lawyer confirmed Emefiele “was in the habit of giving him cash sums in foreign currency, precisely United States dollars, for the acquisition of those properties.” Justice Hamza Muazu later adjourned the case to March 16 and 17, 2026, for further proceedings.
