The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has issued a Freedom of Information request to Mr. Godwin Emefiele asking him to urgently provide information about the persons involved in alleged money laundering through the Central Bank of Nigeria to fund the activities of the Boko Haram, which have contributed to the unlawful killings of innocent Nigerians and destruction of property.”

The group also asked Mr Emefiele to provide within 14 days of the receipt of the request information on exact nature and duration of any such transactions.

It threatened all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel him to comply with the request.

In the request dated 15 September 2014 and signed by Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP said that “given the involvement of the CBN in this matter and the fact that you are the governor of the bank, we believe that you will be able to use your position and leadership to provide appropriate records and information on what exactly happened.

“SERAP is concerned about the damaging allegation, especially given that the CBN as a regulatory body has a responsibility under the UN Convention against corruption and other national laws to prevent money laundering in banks, and to ensure that its systems are transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people.”

The group also said: “It is necessary to provide clarity as to what exactly happened through the CBN if the bank is to continue to play a leadership role in the fight against corruption and money laundering, and to enjoy the public trust and confidence essential for its effectiveness.

“Providing the information would also help to ensure full accountability for those involved in international crimes, and contribute to the process of providing effective remedies for victims.

“By virtue of Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information, FOI, Act 2011, SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on any transaction or money laundering activities that may have been carried out through the CBN, and the said information is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.

“By virtue of Section 4 (a) of the FOI Act when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or urgency to whom the application is directed is under a binding legal obligation to provide the applicant with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within seven days after the application is received.”