The Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on Thursday admitted into evidence the WhatsApp conversation indicting the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, of $4.5 billion fraud and abuse of office.
Justice Rahman Oshodi overruled the objections of the defence and admitted the WhatsApp conversation presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into evidence.
He admitted and labeled the documents as Exhibit “G.”
The judge also admitted some phones into evidence.
The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on a 19-count charge of receiving gratification and corrupt demands.
His co-defendant, Mr. Henry Omoile, is standing trial on a three-count charge for unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.
The charges involved alleged transactions amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
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The EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), continued with the testimony of Mr. Alvan Grumnaan (EFCC), who provided other fresh insights into the evidence uncovered during investigations.
Grumnaan continued his evidence by reading the WhatsApp conversation between Omoile, telling John Adetola in exhibit G, that he should give $400,000 to Emefiele.
He said: “During our investigation, we asked the clarification from him. He explained that there is a conversation between him and Omoile on the phone regarding how to meet Ikechukwu-Ayoh to collect $400,000 on behalf of Emefiele.
“John Adetola confirmed that he went to Lekki in Lagos, where he met John Ikechukwu-Ayoh, a personal assistant to the CBN governor, to deliver the money.
“We further asked him what the message was. He confirmed it was $400,000 and proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos, where he handed it over to Emefiele in the CBN office.” he court, thereafter, adjourned the case. The judge adjourned the case till November 21 for the report of the parties on the agreement on forensic inspection.
He further adjourned the case till December 2 for a trial within trial.
