Proceedings in the alleged ₦7.8 billion fraud case involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele continued at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja as a prosecution witness told the court he deposited billions of naira in cash into a Zenith Bank account on Emefiele's behalf.
The witness, who testified for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged that the cash deposits were made over a period of time and were carried out based on instructions he received.
According to his testimony, the transactions involved substantial sums of money lodged into an account allegedly connected to the former apex bank governor.
During cross-examination, the witness explained the process through which the cash was received and deposited, maintaining that he personally handled several of the transactions at a branch of Zenith Bank.
He also identified documents presented in court in support of the prosecution's case.
The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on allegations bordering on abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and the unlawful acquisition of funds amounting to ₦7.8 billion.
The former CBN governor has denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him.
Prosecutors argued that the witness's testimony forms part of the evidence intended to establish how the disputed funds were allegedly handled.
Defence lawyers, however, challenged aspects of the testimony during cross-examination, questioning the witness's account and the circumstances surrounding the transactions.
The trial is one of several criminal cases currently involving the former CBN governor following investigations into his conduct while in office.
Since leaving the apex bank, Emefiele has faced multiple charges before different courts, with prosecutors alleging financial misconduct during his tenure.
Legal analysts note that witness testimony remains only one part of the judicial process, with the court expected to evaluate documentary evidence, witness credibility, and arguments from both the prosecution and defence before reaching any conclusion.
Under Nigerian law, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The presiding judge subsequently adjourned proceedings to allow the continuation of the trial, with additional witnesses expected to testify as the EFCC continues presenting its case.
The matter remains before the court, and no verdict has been delivered.