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How I collected $600,000 for Emefiele – CBN ex-director tells court

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John Ayoh, a former Director of Information Technology at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has detailed how he allegedly received $600,000 as contract gratification for the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. Ayoh, testifying in court under the guidance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), stated that he served eight years at the apex bank.

Ayoh recounted that he was contacted by the agency regarding two transactions he facilitated on behalf of Emefiele. He mentioned receiving $400,000 in the first instance at his residence in Lekki, and $200,000 in the second instance at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN. He claimed to have been authorized to handle contract applications and to deliver successful bids.

Regarding the second transaction, Ayoh said Emefiele requested him to personally deliver the envelope containing the money to his office, rejecting involvement of a third party. Ayoh asserted that he followed these instructions, delivering the money himself.

He stated that the funds were allegedly provided by vendors responsible for implementing Netapp Storage Architectural and Infrastructural Services. Under cross-examination, Ayoh clarified that although he didn’t have duties involving running errands for Emefiele, he worked directly under him. He affirmed that Emefiele wasn’t part of the PSS but was involved in the Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC).

Ayoh denied participating in any criminal activity and claimed he operated under duress while receiving the envelopes from the contractors. However, when asked about indicating duress in his statement, objections were raised by the prosecution, leading to arguments over the admission of the statement as evidence.

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Justice Rahman Oshodi eventually admitted Ayoh’s statement into evidence, and the witness continued, alleging that Emefiele’s instructions suggested bending the rules. The case was adjourned until May 3 for further cross-examination.

Emefiele’s counsel requested his release on self-recognition, as his bail conditions hadn’t been met. The court was asked to consider extending the deadline to May 17, with no objections from the defense or prosecution. It’s worth noting that Emefiele has been under investigation since his removal as CBN governor by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last June.

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JUST IN: Former President Goodluck Jonathan Visits Rivers State, Meets Gov Fubara

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Rivers State to ceremonially flag off the Original Trans-Kalabari Road project.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, welcomed the former president on Monday.

The Trans-Kalabari Road is a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the Kalabari region.

Governor Fubara recently stated that the Trans-Kalabari Road will be a transformative project, enhancing accessibility and boosting economic activities in the area.

The project is anticipated to improve transportation, facilitate trade, and promote socio-economic development for the communities along its route.

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Jonathan has previously commended the vision and commitment of the Rivers State government under Governor Fubara’s leadership.

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Ondo guber: 261,703 PVCs remain uncollected — INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that over 261,703 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Ondo State ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, revealed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure that out of 1,991,344 registered voters in the state, 1,729,641 have collected their PVCs.

She mentioned that all 210 centers for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise have been identified, listed, and published on the INEC website.

Babalola also noted that 18 political parties would participate in the November 16 gubernatorial election.

Prof. Kunle Ajayi, the INEC National Commissioner overseeing Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, urged stakeholders to mobilize prospective registrants for the upcoming CVR ahead of the governorship election. He appealed to representatives of media houses, civil society organizations, political parties, security agencies, and People Living with Disabilities to help sensitize prospective registrants to register early, avoid double registration, and discourage underage registration.

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Ajayi recalled that the last CVR exercise ended in July 2022, before the 2023 general elections. The new CVR exercise will run from Monday, May 27, to Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, including weekends.

He emphasized that this period would allow young people who have reached the voting age of 18 and other eligible voters who missed previous CVR exercises to register.

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Peter Obi visits victims of Kano mosque explosion

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited victims of the Kano mosque attack who are receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Hospital on Sunday.

Obi explained that his visit aimed to show solidarity with the injured, offer support, and wish them a speedy recovery. He also took the opportunity to thank and encourage the hospital management.

Additionally, Obi extended his condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over the tragic incident.

A 38-year-old man, Shafi’u Abubakar, ignited a petrol bomb, setting a mosque in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area, on fire during early morning prayers. The Kano State Police Command confirmed on Friday that the death toll from the mosque explosion had risen to fifteen.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi emphasized the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in society, noting that the incident was a stark reminder of these values.

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“Yesterday, Sunday the 19th, as a follow-up to my earlier condolence message regarding those who lost their lives in the horrific and devastating terror attack on May 16, 2024, in the Gezawa local government area of Kano State during the morning prayer session, I visited Murtala Mohammed Hospital in Kano to sympathize with those injured and receiving treatment at the hospital.

The visit was to physically show solidarity with the wounded, offer support, and wish them a speedy recovery, as well as to thank and encourage the management of the hospital.

Most importantly, it was to send a message to the victims that we stand together in condemnation of any senseless act of violence and killing in our country.

Once again, I sincerely send my condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over this very sad incident. I extend my thoughts and prayers, especially to the families of the victims.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in our society to create a safer and more harmonious community for all.

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For the deceased, may Almighty Allah forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest,” Obi stated.

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