An aide to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has admitted in court that he kept no documentation of an alleged $400,000 payment he reportedly delivered to Emefiele.
Adetola, who served as an executive assistant to the ex-CBN governor, testified on Monday as the seventh prosecution witness at the Ikeja High Court. Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), he conceded that he did not keep any records of the transaction.
Emefiele is currently on trial facing a 19-count charge involving allegations of receiving gratification and corrupt demands. His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, faces a three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.
Despite previously testifying that he handed over the money to Emefiele, Adetola acknowledged that he did not provide any WhatsApp chats or phone records to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prove he informed Emefiele about the payment. He further admitted there are no formal records to verify the transfer.
Adetola recounted that in 2018, he received a WhatsApp message from Eric Odoh instructing him to collect $400,000 from a man named John Ayoh and deliver it to Emefiele upon his arrival in Lagos. He described visiting Ayoh’s home in Lekki, receiving an envelope, then returning to hand it over to Emefiele at the office.
When questioned why he did not keep any record of the money, Adetola responded, “I didn’t see any need for it.” He also revealed that in his extrajudicial statement given during EFCC custody, he made no mention of any WhatsApp or telephone conversations with Emefiele regarding the payment.
He denied entering any immunity deal with the EFCC, although he admitted EFCC officials confronted him with WhatsApp printouts linked to the case.
During further cross-examination by Henry Omoile’s lawyer, Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), Adetola confirmed he had no direct contact with Omoile in connection with the transaction.
Following his testimony, Justice Rahman Oshodi discharged Adetola and adjourned proceedings to May 27. The trial continues as the court awaits further evidence to support the prosecution’s case.
Background:
In February, Justice Oshodi dismissed a motion by Emefiele requesting the judge’s recusal from the case, rejecting allegations of judicial bias. Emefiele faces multiple criminal charges in both Lagos and Abuja, with some final asset forfeiture orders already issued against him.
