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

Published

9 months ago

April 30, 2024

A former Director of Information Technology of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, John Ayoh, has explained how he collected $600,000 allegedly for contract gratification for the embattled ex-apex bank governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Ayoh, while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on Monday, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that he spent eight years in the apex bank.

He told the court that he received a letter from the agency concerning two transactions he facilitated through Emefiele.

Ayoh, Head of Procurement and Support Services, PSS Department, told the court that the first envelope containing $400,000 was brought to his house in Lekki.

In contrast, he received the second envelope containing $200,000 at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.

Ayoh said he was vested with powers to receive applications for the award of contracts to select successful bidders.

According to him, the first leg of the transaction was at his residence in Lekki Phase One, while the second envelope money he received occurred at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.

“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 and that I should bring the envelope myself.

“I complied with the instruction and delivered it to his office. 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,” he alleged.

The witness informed the court that the vendors who allegedly brought the envelopes with money were in charge of implementing Netapp Storage Architectural and Infrastructural Services.

While under cross-examination by the first defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), he told the court that his schedule of duties did not include running errands for Emefiele, but he directly worked under him.

Ayoh confirmed to the court that Emefiele was not a member of the PSS but a member of the Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC).

He added that he had never facilitated the commission of any crime.

Ojo asked if the witness wrote in his statement that he was forced to aid or abet the commission of accepting gratification.

“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, which implied that the money in the envelopes was given to me to influence the contract award. I did not take part in the decision of the MCTC, but I recommended that the prize be given, and I was not bribed.

“The EFCC invited me on February 17. I was not arrested, but I returned home on administrative bail”, the witness said.

The witness told the court that he operated under duress while he received the two envelopes from the contractors.

“On your honour, did you indicate in your statement that you were acting under duress while running errands for the first defendant,” the learned silk asked.

The prosecution, however, objected to the question and argued that the witness’s statement was not before the court.

The first defence counsel sought to admit the defendant’s statement into evidence.

After that, Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the witness’s statement (three pages) into evidence, following the arguments and counterarguments of the counsel.

The witness told the court that the instructions from Emefiele indicated that he bent the rules.

The judge, after that, adjourned the case until May 3 for continuation of cross-examination.

Emefiele’s counsel also pleaded with the court to release the defendant to him on self-recognition because he had not met with his bail application.

The learned silk, however, prayed to the court that the defendant would meet up before May 17.

There were no objections from the second defence counsel, and the prosecution left the decision at the court’s discretion.

Recall that a dispatch rider had allegedly collected $3 million in cash for the embattled ex-CBN governor.

Emefiele has been under investigation since his removal as CBN boss last June by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Related Topics:Godwin Emefiele John Ayoh

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We’ve commenced fuel lifting from Port Harcourt, Warri refineries – PETROAN

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association says its members have started loading dual-purpose kerosene, automotive gas oil, and premium motor spirits at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The spokesperson of PETROAN, Joseph Obele, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

This follows a reported shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery in December 2024 after it was rehabilitated in November. The same situation was said of Warri Refinery after it recommenced operation in December 30, 2024.

However, in an update, Obele revealed that the lifting of petroleum products has commenced in both state-owned refineries.

According to him, the Port Harcourt refinery is already selling petrol, diesel, and kerosene to retailers, while the Warri refinery is supplying only diesel and kerosene.

“PETROAN members are now loading petroleum products, including dual-purpose kerosene, automotive gas oil, and premium motor spirits.”

The restart of petrol sales at both the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, together with the existing Dangote Refinery, has sparked speculations of retail fuel price reduction.

“The resurgence of these refineries has sparked intense competition, expected to drive down petroleum prices. As Nigerians advocate for lower PMS prices, it is clear that competition is a crucial factor in triggering price reductions.

“The refineries’ revitalisation has brought numerous benefits, including the eradication of adulterated diesel and kerosene from the market,“ Obele stressed.

Meanwhile, Nigerians currently buy fuel between N965 and N1,100 per litre nationwide.

Business

Dangote refinery slashes petrol price to N890/litre

Published

2 days ago

February 1, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Citing favourable developments in the global energy sector and a significant decline in international crude oil prices, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol, from N950 to N890 per litre, effective from Saturday.

The company stated that the decision to slash prices is also part of plans to drive economic relief for Nigerians.

Dangote Refinery’s decision reflects its commitment to aligning with market realities and ensuring that consumers benefit from changes in international crude oil prices.

A statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, explained that this latest move follows a similar decision made on 19 January, when a modest price increase was implemented due to rising crude oil costs.

However, with recent global market trends indicating a decline, Dangote Refinery has once again adjusted its pricing structure, providing relief to Nigerians.

The statement also noted that the price reduction would significantly lower the cost of petrol across the country, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide, thereby driving down the prices of goods and services, as well as the overall cost of living, with a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy,” the statement said.

The refinery has also called on marketers across the country to ensure that the benefits of the reduced price are passed on to the Nigerian public, while reiterating its support for the economic revival spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, whose administration is focused on making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub.

“This collective initiative will contribute to the wider economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is dedicated to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub,” it added.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision is expected to play a vital role in stabilising the country’s economy, ensuring that the benefits of lower fuel prices are felt across all sectors.

Business

SA billionaire Johann Rupert maintains Africa’s richest man record, Dangote New position revealed

Published

1 week ago

January 25, 2025

Seyi Babalola

South African business mogul, Johann Rupert has solidified his position as the continent’s richest man as Aliko Dangote’s net worth dropped further, causing him to fall even further behind South Africa’s billionaire on the list of the richest people in Africa.

According to Forbes, Dangote lost $95 million on Friday, January 24, bringing his net worth down to $10.7 billion.

His rival, Johann Rupert, continued to amass more wealth as he made $76 million on Friday to push his net worth to $13.6 billion.

Rupert is currently the 168th richest man in the world 68 places higher than Dangote, who is ranked 236th richest man in the world, and also the second in Africa.