In the trial of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, contractor Victor Onyejiuwa alleges a $600,000 bribe payment to a former CBN official. The testimony sheds light on allegations of abuse of office and fraud. Follow the trial proceedings and the unfolding details of the case.
In the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, contractor Victor Onyejiuwa testified in the Lagos State Special Offences Court. He denied any direct dealings with Emefiele, asserting that he paid $600,000 to former CBN director John Ayoh for contract payments.
Onyejiuwa, Managing Director of Resource Computer Limited, communicated with Ayoh via WhatsApp and made two payments: $400,000 in Lagos and $200,000 in Abuja. He stated that he did not receive authorization from CBN management to pay bribes and did not communicate with Emefiele directly.
Onyejiuwa clarified that the contracts were executed while Emefiele was CBN governor, but no bribes were demanded. The case involves 26 counts of abuse of office and alleged fraud totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion, with Emefiele and co-defendant Henry Omoile pleading not guilty.
On the last adjourned date, Onyejiuwa revealed that he succumbed to pressure to pay the $600,000 to expedite payment for a contract in 2017. However, the trial was adjourned until July 9, 10, for further proceedings.
