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How I Delivered $400,000 Cash To Emefiele – Ex-aide

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A prosecution witness, John Adetola, on Monday told the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja that he did not document the delivery of $400,000 in cash to the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Adetola, the seventh prosecution witness, who served as executive assistant to Emefiele, said he provided no call logs, messages, or receipt to support his claim during the investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing 19 counts bordering on alleged bribery and corrupt demands totalling $4.5bn and ₦2.8bn, brought by the EFCC.

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Testifying before Justice Rahman Oshodi, Adetola said he acted on instructions from Eric Odoh, who allegedly asked him via WhatsApp in 2018 to collect the money from former CBN Director of Information Technology, Mr. John Ayoh, and hand it to Emefiele in Lagos.

READ ALSO: Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of $1.4m Linked To Emefiele

In 2018, I can’t remember the date, Mr. Eric Odoh sent me a WhatsApp message that I should collect $400,000 from John Ayoh and give it to the former CBN Governor when he came to Lagos. I went to Ayoh’s house in Lekki, collected an envelope, and gave it to the governor,” Adetola told the court.

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When asked why he did not document the transaction or provide any proof, he said“I did not see any need for it .”

Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Adetola confirmed that he was not under prosecution and had not struck any immunity deal with the EFCC.

He also admitted that in his statement to the EFCC, he did not mention any communication with Emefiele about the $400,000.

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“I told the EFCC everything I knew in respect of the alleged financial crimes,” he said.

READ ALSO: Court Sets Date To Hear Emefiele’s Applications On Forfeited Assests.

Adetola further revealed that he spent 11 days in EFCC custody, during which he was not brought face-to-face with either Emefiele or John Ayoh.

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He acknowledged that the EFCC confronted him with WhatsApp printouts related to the alleged transaction, but he maintained that he had no evidence of contact with Emefiele about the money delivery.

He reiterated during re-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) that he saw no need to document the cash transaction.

I did not see any need for it,” he restated.

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READ ALSO: Court Sets Date To Hear Emefiele’s Applications On Forfeited Assests.

Adetola, who holds a Higher National Diploma in Secretarial Studies and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, explained his duties as executive assistant.

My direct boss is the 1st defendant. The 1st defendant is the head of the secretariat, and I report directly to him,” he said, referring to Emefiele.

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During further cross-examination by Yinka Kotoye (SAN), counsel for the second defendant, Henry Omoile, Adetola admitted he had no dealings whatsoever with Omoile in connection to the cash delivery.

At the close of the testimony, Justice Oshodi discharged the witness and adjourned the matter till today (Tuesday) for continuation of the trial.

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Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

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Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

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He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

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“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

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Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

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The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

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“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

READ ALSO:Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

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In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

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READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

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Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

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The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

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Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

READ ALSO:CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo

Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

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“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

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On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

READ ALSO:NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

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“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

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It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.

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