The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed fresh charges against former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over the alleged illegal acquisition of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja and unlawful control of billions of naira.

The eight-count charge, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, accuses Emefiele of colluding with a fugitive, Eric Ocheme, to acquire the estate located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District. The property spans over 150,000 square meters.

The EFCC alleges that Emefiele controlled billions of naira through proxy company accounts. Between 2019 and 2022, over ₦6.3 billion was allegedly funneled through Zenith Bank accounts belonging to Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifedigo Integrated Services.

In one count, Emefiele is also accused of forging a document titled “Irrevocable Power of Attorney Between MG Properties Limited and H and Y Business Global Limited” to mislead parties into believing it was authorised.

The housing estate was previously recovered and forfeited to the government, which has announced plans to sell the property to low- and middle-income Nigerians. However, Emefiele filed a motion claiming interest in the estate, which was dismissed. He has since appealed the ruling and filed an injunction to halt further government action pending the appeal.

The EFCC has lined up 24 witnesses, including bank officials, to testify when the trial begins.

Emefiele served as CBN Governor from 2014 until June 2023 when he was arrested by the Department of State Services. He resigned while in custody and is currently facing multiple charges in both Abuja and Lagos.