EFCC declares Emefiele’s wife wanted for money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Margaret Emefiele, wife of embattled bank chief, Godwin Emefiele wanted for alleged money laundering.

The anti-graft agency published photos and details of Margaret and three others in a notice on Friday.

The three other persons were identified as Eric Ocheme Odoh, Anita Joy Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile.

In the notice signed by the spokesman of the commission, Dele Oyewale, said the three suspects allegedly colluded with the former CBN governor to divert “huge sums” from the federal government coffers.

“The public is hereby notified that persons whose photographs appear above are wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly conspiring with a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, 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 notice reads.

EFCC, in January 2024, filed against Emefiele an amended 20-count charge of criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others.

The former CBN boss is being prosecuted by the EFCC for N1.8 billion and $6.2 million fraud.

In some of the amended charges, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled, “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions”, and dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

The commission alleged that Emefiele made the claim knowing the same to be false.

According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated January 26 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.”

The commission added that “the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge, located at No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Ltd, wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders.”