A witness has come forward in the trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), alleging corruption and bribery amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
According to Victor Onyejiuwa, Managing Director of The Source Computers Limited, he was pressured by CBN management to pay $600,000 for a contract he had executed. This revelation came as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted additional documents against Emefiele.
The documents, tendered through a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, revealed transactions involving Limelight Multidimensional Services Ltd. The witness, Clement Ngolu, affirmed that the bank cooperated with law enforcement agencies like the EFCC, Nigeria Police, ICPC, and NSCDC.
In 2014, Zenith Bank provided statements of accounts to EFCC upon request, as part of routine compliance. The witness emphasized the authenticity of the documents and the bank's adherence to regulations.
The prosecution also presented an IT contractor who alleged similar pressure from CBN management to pay $600,000 for executed contracts. The contractor disclosed that after completing a project for the CBN, he was approached by a former CBN director, John Ikechukwu Ayoh, demanding gratification on behalf of the management.
Ayoh, testifying as a prosecution witness, claimed he collected $600,000 as gratification for Emefiele. He expressed dissatisfaction with being sidelined by the former CBN governor, emphasizing his loyalty to the bank and the Nigerian nation.
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Emefiele and his co-defendant were arraigned on multiple charges, including abuse of office and accepting gratifications. They pleaded not guilty.
The case adjourned until May 17 for further proceedings.
This development underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions, urging a thorough investigation into alleged corrupt practices to uphold the integrity of Nigeria's financial system.
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