Insider Reveals How Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele Was Given $400,000

Insider Reveals How Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele Was Given $400,000A key witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), John Adetola, testified on Thursday before the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja, revealing how he delivered $400,000 to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. Adetola, who served as Emefiele’s executive assistant, gave this account while testifying as the seventh prosecution witness in the ongoing trial.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing 26 charges related to alleged financial misconduct, including abuse of office and fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.

Adetola, led by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), explained how he was summoned from his assignment in Ekiti State to assist in the matter. He recounted the events of 2018, when he was instructed by a colleague, Eric Odoh, to collect $400,000 from one John Ayoh and deliver it to Emefiele. Adetola said he visited Ayoh’s residence in Lekki, Lagos, where he received the envelope containing the money, and later handed it over to the former CBN Governor.

Adetola further described his duties as Emefiele’s executive assistant, which included managing the governor’s office correspondence, scheduling meetings, and handling various administrative tasks. He also shared details of his professional background, stating that he had joined the CBN in June 2014 after working at Veritas Registrars (formerly Zenith Registrars) since 2007. Adetola said he had known Emefiele during his time as the Managing Director of Zenith Bank before Emefiele’s appointment to the CBN.

When questioned about his communication with Emefiele, Adetola confirmed that they frequently interacted through phone calls, emails, and face-to-face discussions. He also identified members of Emefiele’s family, including his brothers, George and Okanta, and his wife, Margaret Emefiele.

Adetola also discussed his interactions with the EFCC. He revealed that in February 2023, he was invited to their office, where he made voluntary statements regarding the matter. His phone was subsequently examined by the EFCC, and he was questioned about certain documents printed from it.

The witness’s testimony included further clarification on the $400,000 transaction. He repeated the details of his WhatsApp communication with Eric Odoh, which instructed him to collect the money from John Ayoh in Lagos. He confirmed that he received the envelope from Ayoh and delivered it directly to Emefiele.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution sought to introduce certain documents as exhibits, including WhatsApp communications between Adetola, Emefiele, John Ayoh, and Eric Odoh. The defense counsel, represented by Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), opposed the submission of these documents. However, Justice Rahman Oshodi overruled their objections and admitted the documents into evidence.

The court proceedings were adjourned to allow for further hearing of the case.

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