Mr John Ayoh, a former Director of Information Technology in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday narrated before an Ikeja Special Offences Court how he allegedly received the sum of 6000,000 US dollars for gratification of contract on behalf of the embattled ex CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
While being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness told the court that he had spent eight years in CBN and that he received a letter from EFCC concerning two transactions which he facilitated through Emefiele.
The witness who was Head of Procurement and Support Services (PSS) Department, vested with powers to receive applications for award of contract to select successful bidders told the court that the first envelope containing $400,000 was brought to his house in Lekki while he received the second envelope containing $200,000 at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.
He further told the court that the first leg of the transaction was at his residence in Lekki Phase One while the second envelope money I received occurred at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.
He said: “The man to deliver the second transactions came to the office in Lagos and I informed the governor but he said he did not want to see a third party that I should bring the envelope myself.
“I complied with the instruction and went to the office to his office and delivered it.
“Mr John Adeola was the one I sent my address to an he came to my house.
“He is the governor’s assistant and the total money I receive on his behalf was $400,000 and $200,000, respectively.”
The witness also informed the court that the vendors who bought the alleged envelopes containing money were in charge of the implementation of Netapp Storage Architectural and Infrastructural Services.
While under cross-examination by the first defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told the court that his schedule of duties did not include running errands for Emefiele and he directly worked under him.
Ayoh confirmed to the court that Emefiele was a no a member of PSS but he was a member of Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC).
He added that he had never facilitated in the commission of any crime.
Ojo asked if the witness wrote in his statement that he was forced to aid or abet the commission of accepting gratification.
The witness said: “I do not remember the exact word that I used and I did not write in my statement that I opened the two envelopes on the two occasions to check the total sum of money.
“I wrote a statement and it implied that the money in the envelops were given to me to influence the award of contract.
“I did not take part in the decision of MCTC but I recommended that the award be given and I was not bribed.
“I was invited by EFCC on February 17, I was not arrested but I returned home on administrative bail.”
The witness further informed the court that he operated under duress while he received the two envelopes from the contractors.
“On your honour, did you indicate in your
statement that you were acting under duress while running errands for the first defendant,” the learned silk asked.
The prosecution, however, objected to the question and argued that the statement of the witness was not before the court.
The first defence counsel, thereafter sought that the statement of the defendant be admitted into evidence.
Justice Rahman Oshodi thereafter admitted the statement of the witness, into evidence, following arguments and counter augments of the counsel.
The senior advocate reteirated that the witness showed to the court where it was written in his statement that he acted under duress.
The witness told the court that the instructions from Emefiele indicated that he bent rules.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case until May 3 for continuation of cross-examination.
