EFCC Presents WhatsApp Chats Showing $400,000 Payment in Emefiele’s $4.5b Fraud Trial

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Wednesday received fresh digital evidence in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, accused of involvement in an alleged ₦233 billion fraud.

During the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) introduced new revelations linking Emefiele’s close aides to suspicious financial transactions and coded communications.

Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) led EFCC witness Alvan Gurumnaan, who testified on forensic examinations of mobile phones and digital data retrieved during investigations. Among the key findings was a WhatsApp conversation containing the acronym “PCS,” which investigators decoded to mean “one piece,” representing ₦1,000.

Gurumnaan also detailed analysis of the phone belonging to Mr. John Adetola, a former Executive Assistant to Emefiele. The EFCC presented WhatsApp chats between Adetola and an individual named Eric Eboh, showing instructions for the delivery of $400,000 “for Oga.” The witness confirmed that Adetola acknowledged receiving and transferring the funds as directed.

Efforts to locate and question Eboh have so far been unsuccessful, with the EFCC reporting that he has evaded arrest despite multiple attempts.

The prosecution sought to admit a set of documents extracted from Adetola’s phone as evidence. However, defence lawyers Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN) objected, arguing the documents were not properly certified under the Evidence Act and should be excluded.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Oshodi reserved judgment on the admissibility of the documents. Proceedings were adjourned until October 9, 2025, for a ruling on this matter.

Emefiele faces charges of corruption, abuse of office, and fraudulent mismanagement of over ₦233 billion during his tenure as CBN Governor. He is standing trial alongside Henry Omoile.

The EFCC maintains that electronic communications and transactions involving Emefiele’s associates will help establish the trail of illicit funds linked to the former CBN chief.