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.
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.