EFCC declares Emefiele’s wife wanted for alleged money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Margaret Emefiele, wife of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, 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 Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity, the EFCC said the quartet 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.

Margaret, Anita and Jonathan were listed as indigenes of Delta state while Odoh is said to be from Benue.

Jonathan is said to be the chief executive officer of Exact Quote BDC Limited while Anita is listed as the CEO of Deepblue Energy Services Ltd and Lipam Investment Services Ltd.

The anti-graft agency asked the public to contact its offices across the country to provide “useful information as to their whereabouts”.

THE EMEFIELE CASE

The federal government, on January 18, amended the criminal charges filed against the former CBN governor.

The charges, formerly six counts, were increased to 20 counts.

The amended charges border on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Emefiele, who was arraigned on November 18, 2023, had pleaded not guilty to the initial six-count charge.

On November 22, a federal capital territory (FCT) high court granted him bail in the sum of N300 million.

At the last hearing, the court agreed to vary Emefiele’s bail condition which previously restricted him to the FCT.