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I Received $600,000 In Bribes For Emefiele, Says Ex-CBN Director

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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.

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FCT Police Warn Motorists Against One-Way Driving, Reject Calls From VIPs

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way, cautioning that influential connections or calls from senior police officers and government officials will not shield offenders from prosecution.

The Command said the practice, particularly around road construction sites, diversion points and restricted routes, poses serious risks to lives and property.

SEE ALSO: Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

In a press statement issued on Monday, November 9, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Command was concerned about the increasing disregard for traffic regulations by motorists who deliberately drive against traffic, ignore road signs and bypass designated diversions to avoid congestion.

Adeh stressed that no individual, regardless of status, position or connections, would be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic regulations.

She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, had directed the Command’s Motor Traffic Department (MOTOPOL) and all Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs) to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement operations.

According to the statement, the directive includes the arrest and immediate prosecution of motorists caught driving against traffic or disobeying lawful traffic instructions.

The Commissioner also warned police officers involved in the enforcement exercise against exploiting the operation to extort motorists, stressing that any officer found engaging in such misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with existing police rules and regulations.

The Command urged motorists to exercise patience, obey traffic signs and follow instructions from authorised traffic officers, noting that saving a few minutes through reckless driving was not worth the risk of losing lives or damaging property.

It also called on residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

The Command provided the following emergency contact numbers for security-related reports: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

 

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FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

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Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents

The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

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Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

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