News
Zenith Bank compliance officer submits ‘key’ documents against Emefiele
The trial of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, continued on Thursday with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tendering bundles of documents to nail him.
Mr Emefiele is standing trial over abuse of office and alleged $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud while in office.
The documents were tendered through the third prosecution witness, a compliance officer with the Zenith Bank, Clement Ngolu, by the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The documents were admitted into evidence following a no-objection submission from the first defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), and the second defence counsel, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN)
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the original copies of Zenith Bank account opening package, statement of account of Limelight Multidimensional Services Ltd., sent to the EFCC in evidence.
“I have read the documents dated March 2024, and I admit the original certified copy of the bundles of documents which include account opening package, statement of accounts in evidence and are marked as Exhibit A,” Mr Oshodi said.
Mr Ngolu, in his evidence, said his department responded to regulators and law enforcement agencies in order to ensure that the bank activities were in line with banking policies and regulations.
He added that his department worked with agencies such as the EFCC, the Nigeria Police, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The witness said that his department, in 2014, got a request from the EFCC to furnish them with statements of accounts of Limelight and two other accounts.
“The documents we sent to the EFCC were duly signed by the staff of the bank.
“The process of generating the statement was through our computer system which was in good condition.
“The documents were printed out from the company’s computer which was working well and the documents were in the bank’s custody,” the witness said.
The defence, however, said they had no question for the witness.
Also, a former director of information technology of CBN, John Ayoh, in the continuation of his cross-examination, said he had a confrontation with Mr Emefiele because he asked him to do something wrong.
The witness, who further confirmed that he was sidelined by the embattled governor, added that his being sidelined made him not to have any relationship with him.
“I was not happy being unpopular with the former CBN governor, but on a number of occasions, I signed contract letters to vendors.
“While I was a director with the CBN, my loyalty was to the bank and the Nigerian nation and my relationship with Emefiele was only formal and based on instructions.
“The governor and the four deputy governors of the bank, alongside the directors, make up the management of the CBN,” he said.
The fourth witness, a contractor, in his evidence, testified before the court how he was allegedly pressurised by the apex bank management to pay $600,000 for the contract which he had executed.
Mr Ayoh had, on April 29, narrated before the court how he allegedly collected $600,000 for contract gratification for Emefiele.
The EFCC had, on April 8, arraigned Mr Emefiele on 23 counts bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demand, receiving property fraudulently obtained and conferring corrupt advantage.
Also, his co-defendant was arraigned on three counts bordering on acceptance of gifts by agents.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The judge adjourned the case until May 17, for continuation of trial.
News
Just in: INEC announces APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo winner Of Edo 2024 guber poll
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the Saturday, September 21, 2024 governorship election held in Edo state has been announced winner by the Returning Officer, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta.
According to the results from 18 local government areas (LGAs) announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, Okpebholo secured a total of 291,667 votes.
His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,274votes.
Olumide Akpata, representing the Labour Party (LP), finished third, receiving a total of 22,763 votes.
Declaring the result, Professor Kuta, said: “Monday Okpebholo, having fulfilled the requirements of the law and got the highest votes is the winner and is returned elected”.
Details later.
News
Edo: Respect the people’s aspirations PDP Govs tell INEC
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa.
As the collation of the final results of the Edo State governorship continues, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect the wish of the people.
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, made the call in a statement on Sunday.
As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time,” he said.
“This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC government.”
PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM:
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 2024 EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
We have followed with keen interest developments in the Edo Governorship Elections and wish to state as follows;
We salute the good people of Edo State, the cradle of a proud Benin kingdom, for trooping out in their large numbers, to exercise their legitimate duty to choose the person who would govern the state for the next four years.
We have no doubt that given the laudable achievements of the exiting governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, and the qualities of our governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the enlightened Edo electorate would have had no difficulty in making the right choice, particularly given the hardship that the APC Administration is spreading nationwide.
We note with immense pride and satisfaction, the role being played by the PDP Governors, His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, His Excellency Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Sherif Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State who have painstakingly monitored the exercise in accordance with the law and guided the electorate to remain calm and law abiding throughout the entire process.
We are satisfied that our colleagues as led by His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Fintiri simply stated the results of a few local government areas as were already collated and captured on the INEC IREV portal, with a view to forestalling any manipulation by unscrupulous elements and, ultimately, averting a situation that could throw the exercise into disrepute and the nation into political jeopardy. Therefore, the public is advised to disregard the mischievous accusation by the APC that anyone usurped INEC’s responsibility, let alone distinguished Nigerians who are governors in their respective states.
As the process runs its course, we wish to remind the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of the need to live up to the oath of office of the Commission’s principal officers and the expectations of the people, to serve as an impartial umpire committed to deepening our multi party democracy and the survival of our country.
6 As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time. This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC government.
The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices, and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realise their legitimate dreams.
We look forward to the announcement of a result that truly represents the wishes of the Edo people as freely expressed through their votes yesterday
Finally, we stand with our Governors, H/E Fintiri, H/E Diri, H/E Agbu Kefas and H/E Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba and Delta States respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, with respect to maintaining the sanctity of the elections.
10. Thank you
Signed:
Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON
Executive Governor, Bauchi State & Chairman,
PDP Governors’ Forum.
Dated Sunday, September 22. 2024.
News
Just in: Obaseki floored in his LGA
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared winner of the governorship election in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, where Governor Godwin Obaseki hails from.
According to the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the APC polled a total of 30,780 votes in the LGA, while Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 24,938 votes.
Olumide Akpata of Labour Party garnered 5,389 votes.
Below are the results announced at the State Collation Centre in Benin.
Registered Voters -356242
Below are the results announced at the State Collation Centre in Benin.
Registered Voters -356242
Accredited voters -64802
Total Votes cast – 64042
APC – 30780
LP – 5389
PDP – 24938
-
News18 hours ago
How Osun banker allegedly defrauded two of N25m, gave birth after bail
-
News18 hours ago
FG donates 100 trailers of rice, other food items to flood victims in Borno
-
Politics18 hours ago
Confusion as court injunctions disrupt Imo LG polls
-
Politics18 hours ago
Low turnout, late arrival of materials mar Enugu LG elections
-
Politics18 hours ago
Arewa youths criticise Muhammed over Rivers PDP crisis
-
News18 hours ago
#EdoDecides2024: Obaseki forced out of INEC office
-
News18 hours ago
ECOWAS meets to approve Lagos-Abidjan Highway design
-
News18 hours ago
Abia distributes palliatives to prison inmates, orphanages, others