The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, the wife of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, wanted. In addition to Mrs. Emefiele, the commission has also declared Eric Odoh, a CBN official, Anita Omoile, a businesswoman, and Jonathan Omoile, a Bureau De Change operator, as wanted individuals.

The EFCC alleges that the quartet, including Mrs. Emefiele, is involved in a conspiracy with the former CBN Governor to convert substantial sums of money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Mrs. Emefiele reportedly went into hiding following her husband’s arrest and subsequent court charges.

The anti-graft agency has shared the suspects’ mugshots on its official website and social media platforms, appealing to the public for any information regarding their whereabouts. The attached statement reads, “Emefiele, Odoh, Mr. and Mrs. Omoile, wanted by the EFCC. The quartet of Eric Odoh, Margaret Emefiele, Anita Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile, are wanted by the EFCC for offenses related to economic and financial crimes. Any information on their whereabouts? Please contact the nearest EFCC Command or the nearest police station.”

This development marks a significant twist in the investigation of past and present officials accused of corruption, as it is uncommon for spouses to be charged alongside those already standing trial.

Godwin Emefiele’s troubles began after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu on June 9, 2023, leading to his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos. Subsequently, he was transferred to Abuja and placed in the custody of the EFCC, facing charges of money laundering and fraud.

President Tinubu appointed Jim Obazee as the Special Investigator to scrutinize the activities of the apex bank during Emefiele’s tenure. In his report to the president, Obazee alleged, among other things, that Emefiele opened 593 foreign bank accounts without the approval of either President Muhammadu Buhari or the CBN’s board of directors. The report further claimed substantial amounts in fixed deposits, particularly £543,482,213 in UK banks alone.

Additionally, the investigator asserted that the recent redesign of the naira was not explicitly approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the idea allegedly originated from Buhari’s aide, Sabiu Tunde Yusuf. Emefiele vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as false and misleading, emphasizing that he had provided evidence of Buhari’s approval during the investigation process. He asserted that the allegations were meant to tarnish his character and serve the “selfish” interests of the private investigator.