The seventh prosecution witness, Mr John Adetola, in the ongoing trial of ex-governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, narrated how he collected the sum of $400,000 on behalf of the ex-governor.
Mr. John Adetola, who served as Emefiele’s personal assistant, testified before the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday. Emefiele faces charges of abuse of office and alleged misappropriation of $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion during his tenure. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting him alongside a co-defendant, Henry Omoile, who faces charges of unlawful acceptance of gifts.
Adetola, represented by his counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), stated that he handled Emefiele’s correspondences and visitors in Lagos, granting him direct access to the former governor.
He disclosed, “In 2018, Mr. Eric Odoh, Emefiele’s personal assistant in Abuja, instructed me to meet Mr. John Ayoh, the former ICT director, to collect $400,000 for the governor. I went to Ayoh’s residence in Lekki, received the envelope, and delivered it to the governor at the office.”
During interrogation by the EFCC in February 2023, Adetola voluntarily revealed details about the transaction. He further testified about his close interactions with Emefiele and identified other individuals connected to the former governor, including his younger brothers, George and Okanta, and his wife, Margaret.
Adetola also confirmed that his co-defendant, Omoile, resided at Emefiele’s Lagos home and acknowledged official documents detailing communications between himself, Emefiele, Ayoh, and Odoh.
The EFCC sought to admit these documents for identification purposes. While Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), did not object, Omoile’s counsel, Mr. Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), argued against their admissibility, citing legal grounds. Justice Rahman Oshodi ultimately admitted the documents for identification.
The case was adjourned to Dec. 10 for cross-examination of the witness.
