The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) has declared Margaret Emefiele, the wife of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, and three others wanted for alleged money laundering case on Friday night. The other three involved in the case were identified as Eric Ocheme Odoh, Anita Joy Omoile, and her husband Jonathan Omoile, for allegedly conspiring “to convert huge sums of money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria and committed felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretences, and stealing, contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”
The EFCC’s statement read, “The quartet of Eric Ocheme Odoh, Margaret Dumbiri Emefiele, Anita Joy Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile are wanted by the EFCC for offences bordering on economic and financial crimes.” The public is cautioned that these individuals are accused of conspiring with former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele to convert substantial government funds, allegedly committing offences punishable under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
“This declaration comes amid the ongoing legal proceedings against Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges of fraud amounting to ₦1.8 billion and $6.2 million. The latest amended charge, presented before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, accuses Emefiele of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to illegally obtain $6.2 million.”
The anti-graft agency stated that Emefiele, in collaboration with Eric Ocheme Odoh, obtained the funds from the CBN under false pretences, claiming it was requested by the SGF. Furthermore, Emefiele is accused of forging documents and conferring corrupt advantages on his wife and brother-in-law by awarding them contracts for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s residence in Lagos.
