In a turn of events at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, a contractor with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Victor Onyejiuwa, disavowed any association with the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, during his testimony on Friday.
Onyejiuwa revealed that the $600,000 he was pressured to pay for a contract executed for the apex bank was directed to the former CBN Director of Information Technology, John Ayoh, not Emefiele.
Managing Director of Resource Computer Limited, Onyejiuwa, clarified that all his communications regarding the contract were conducted solely with Ayoh through Whatsapp.
He detailed making payments of $400,000 in Lagos and $200,000 in Abuja to Ayoh, emphasizing that no authorization from CBN management was provided for the alleged bribe.
Responding to cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Onyejiuwa confirmed that Ayoh handled the award and completion of the contracts, valued at N1.3 billion and $2.1 million respectively.
He stressed that subsequent contracts executed after Ayoh’s departure from CBN were completed without any bribe demands.
“I did a new contract with the CBN, and no bribe was demanded, and the payment for the contract was paid in due time.
I executed the contract while Godwin Emefiele was still the CBN governor,” Onyejiuwa affirmed.
When questioned about direct communication with Emefiele or any CBN deputy governors regarding Ayoh’s authority, Onyejiuwa stated no such interaction occurred.
He admitted to not having met Emefiele and conducting all dealings through Ayoh.
The trial, involving Emefiele and co-defendant Henry Omoile, centers on 26 counts related to alleged abuse of office and fraud totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
