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I Received $600,000 In Bribes For Emefiele, Says Ex-CBN Director
In a session at the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos on Monday, Mr. John Ayoh, a former Director of Information Technology at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), unveiled details of allegedly receiving $600,000 in bribes from contractors on behalf of the ex-governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele.
Ayoh, who served eight years in the CBN, disclosed this while under examination by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
He mentioned receiving a letter from the agency regarding two transactions he facilitated for Emefiele.
Ayoh, the Head of the Procurement and Support Services (PSS) Department, testified that he received $400,000 in the first envelope at his Lekki residence and $200,000 in the second envelope at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.
He further explained that his role included receiving applications for contract awards and selecting successful bidders.
He clarified that the initial part of the transaction took place at his residence in Lekki Phase One, while the second envelope containing money was received at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.
He said: “The man to deliver the second transaction came to our office in Lagos and I informed the governor but he said he did not want to see a third party that I should bring the envelope myself.
“I complied with the instruction and went to his office and delivered it. I complied with the instruction and went to his office and delivered it.
“Mr John Adeola was the one I sent my address to and he came to my house. He is the governor’s assistant and the total money I received on his behalf was $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.”
The witness revealed to the court that the vendors responsible for bringing the money-filled envelopes were overseeing the implementation of Netapp Storage Architectural and Infrastructural Services.
During cross-examination by the first defense counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), he stated that although his duties did not explicitly involve running errands for Emefiele, he worked directly under him.
Ayoh affirmed to the court that Emefiele was not part of the Procurement and Support Services (PSS) but rather a member of the Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC).
He further stated that he had never facilitated any criminal activity.
Ojo inquired if the witness mentioned in his statement that he was coerced to assist in accepting gratification.
The witness said: “I do not remember the exact word that I used and I did not write in my statement that I opened the two envelopes on the two occasions to check the total sum of money.
“I wrote a statement and it implied that the money in the envelopes was given to me to influence the award of contract.
“I did not take part in the decision of the MCTC but I recommended that the award be given and I was not bribed.
“I was invited by the EFCC on Feb. 17, I was not arrested but I returned home on administrative bail.”
The witness informed the court that he operated under duress when receiving the two envelopes from the contractors.
The defense counsel then asked if he indicated in his statement that he was acting under duress while running errands for the first defendant.
The prosecution objected to the question, arguing that the witness’s statement was not presented before the court.
The defense counsel requested that the defendant’s statement be admitted into evidence.
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the witness’s statement, consisting of three pages, into evidence after deliberations between the counsels.
The Senior Advocate reiterated that the witness’s statement clearly indicated that he acted under duress.
The witness confirmed to the court that instructions from Emefiele implied bending rules.
Following the proceedings, the judge adjourned the case until May 3 for the continuation of cross-examination.
Emefiele’s counsel requested the court to release the defendant to him on self-recognition as he hadn’t met with his bail application yet.
The Senior Advocate, however, urged the court to ensure that the defendant meets the requirements before May 17.
The second defense counsel didn’t object, and the prosecution left the decision to the court’s discretion.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
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