News
How ‘I collected $400k on behalf of Emefiele’ – Witness tells court
The 7th Prosecution witness, Mr John Adetola, testifying in the case against the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele has alleged that he collected the sum of $400,000 on behalf of Emefiele.
Adetola, who identified himself as an Executive Assistant to Emefiele, also disclosed how he handed over the money to his boss, Emefiele.
He gave the testimony on Thursday while answering questions from the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
He told the trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi that the functions of his office includes managing office correspondences, attending to visitors and any other tasks as assigned by his boss.
He said these duties gave him direct access to Emefiele.
On the $400,000, Adetola testified that he was summoned from Ekiti, his new posting place to go pick up the money.
“In 2018, I can’t remember the date, the personal assistant to the CBN Gov in Abuja, Mr Eric Odoh sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go and collect $400,000 from John Ayoh, the former director of ICT Dept. and give same to the former CBN Governor when he came to Lagos.
“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos. He gave me an envelope and I came back to the office, I gave it to the former CBN Governor,” he said
He said he communicated with Emefiele, mentioning some of Emefiele’s family members.
“I communicate with the former CBN Governor through telephone, office line, email and verbal communication.
“I know Mr. George, I know Mr Okanta. They are Mr Emefiele’s brothers. I know his wife, Mrs Margaret Emefiele. I also know the second defendant, Henry Omoile, he lived in Emefiele’s house in Lagos,” he added.
Adetola also told the court that the EFCC accessed his phone which had some office documents and he was questioned on them, after which they printed the documents.
He identified some of the documents showing his communication with John Ayoh and Odoh, stressing that he endorsed the documents as being printed from his mobile phone.
The EFCC prosecutor, Mr Oyedepo thereafter sought the permission of the court to tender the bundle of documents.
The counsel to Emefiele, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olaleko Ojo, raised objections to the admissibility of the documents but withdrew his objections when the counsel insisted that it was merely for identification purposes.
Counsel representing Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Kotoye, however, maintained his objections to the admissibility of the documents stating that the documents had no basis in law.
In his response, Oyedepo insisted that the documents were relevant and would prove essential ingredients of the offence.
He insisted on tendering it for the purpose of identification.
After considering all the submissions, Justice Oshodi admitted the documents and marked it as for the purpose of identification.
He adjourned the case till December 10 for the cross examination of the witness.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected gunmen abducted a landlord and his daughter in the Ijede area of Ikorodu in Lagos.
In a statement on Sunday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police spokesperson, said the kidnappers abducted the victims on Wednesday.
Hundeyin added that on Saturday, the command rescued the kidnapped victims unhurt and handed them over to their family members.
According to the police spokesperson, the command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The police received information that some kidnappers invaded Ijede community and kidnapped two persons,” the statement reads.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were mobilised to the scene where it was observed that the kidnappers forcefully gained entrance into the house of a 40-year-old man, killed the security dog and kidnapped him.
“The kidnappers equally forced their way into the nearby house and kidnapped the landlord’s 25-year-old daughter.
“With the collaborative efforts of both the police joint task force and other stakeholders, the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to their family members.
“The area is relatively calm and being closely monitored, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the wanted suspects.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, until December 31, 2026.
Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to end on August 31, 2025.
A statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said Tinubu commended Nandap for her leadership, noting improvements in border management, immigration modernisation, and national security under her watch.
“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures.
“President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring safe and legal migration.
Tragedy strikes the entertainment world as American actor and singer, Richard Chamberlain, passes away, leaving an Irreparable void.
According to reports, the renowned actor passed away prior to his 91st birthday, following complications from a stroke.
His passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans and industry colleagues alike, as they mourn the loss of a beloved talent and celebrate his enduring legacy.
Moreover, tributes have flooded social media, with many remembering Chamberlain’s iconic roles in ‘Dr. Kildare,’ ‘Shōgun,’ and ‘The Thorn Birds.
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his lasting impact on audiences worldwide are being widely acknowledged.
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