NaijNaira
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele is facing eight fresh charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged role in laundering billions of naira and acquiring a massive housing estate through proxies.
According to a report obtained from the EFCC, the new charges involve the illegal acquisition of 753 housing units located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. The agency claims the property was purchased in 2021 in partnership with a fugitive, Eric Ocheme, using funds allegedly linked to unlawful activities.
Billions Allegedly Laundered Through Proxy Accounts
The EFCC accuses Emefiele of laundering large sums of money through accounts operated by Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifedigo Integrated Services—both allegedly under his control. These transactions span multiple years and involve corporate accounts at Zenith Bank.
One of the most severe charges states:
“Between January and December 2021 in Abuja, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele and Eric Ocheme knowingly had under control the total sum of ₦2,945,331,050 domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account, which is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.”
The agency further detailed how between January and December 2020, ₦1.23 billion was held in Kelvito’s Zenith Bank account, while ₦900 million and ₦600 million were separately found in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ accounts.
Recovered Estate Handed to FG, Appeal Filed
Last week, EFCC formally transferred the disputed Abuja estate to the Federal Government after securing a court ruling. However, Emefiele has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging the decision and seeking to reclaim the property.
