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Emefiele: Court admits WhatsApp conversation as evidence

Published

6 months ago

October 10, 2025

Godwin Emefiele

Emefiele: Court admits WhatsApp conversation as evidence

The Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday admitted into evidence the WhatsApp conversation indicting the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 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.

Mr Oshodi admitted and labelled the documents as exhibit “G.” Some phones were also admitted into evidence.

Mr Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demands.

His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing 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.

The EFC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), continued with the testimony of Alvan Grumnaan (EFCC), who provided other fresh insights into the evidence uncovered during investigations.

Mr Grumnaan continued his evidence by reading the WhatsApp conversation between Mr Omoile, telling John Adetola in exhibit G that he should give $400,000 to ‘oga’ (Mr Emefiele).

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He said, “During our investigation, we asked for 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.

“We made a call to Ikechukwu-Ayoh, who was working at that time in CBN, to report to our office in Lagos, where he was interviewed.”

The witness further told the court that Mr Ikechukwu-Ayoh confirmed that Mr Adetola came to his house and gave him the money to give to Mr Emefiele.

According to the witness, it is not only transactions.

Mr Grumnaan further told the court that there was another $200,000 Mr Ikechukwu-Ayoh received from the same person and handed to Mr Emefiele in his Lagos office.

“We invited Mr Victor Oyedua, the CBN contractor, who reported to our office and confirmed during the interview that he gave Ikechukwu-Ayoh the sums of $400,000 and $200,000, respectively, to deliver to the first defendant.

“He confirmed he was a CBN contractor, and two of his works were hanging at that time with the CBN, and he has not been paid.

“The contractor was told he needed to settle some management to facilitate his money; the reason he gave out the sum of money and his statement was also recorded,” the witness said.

The prosecution further tendered some documents from the CBN as exhibits before the court.

The EFCC counsel said the document was an original letter from a company to the EFCC dated February 24, 2024.

According to him, the document is evidence of what EFCC received.

“It is the primary evidence,” the prosecutor said.

However, the defence, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN), objected to their admissibility, citing concerns over authenticity and proper certification.

The defence urged the court to reject all the photocopy documents as exhibits.

The court, however, overruled their objections and admitted the bundle of documents as Exhibit H.

Also, Mr Adetola’s phone, MI10T, which was still on flight mode but switched on, was tendered and admitted as Exhibit I.

The WhatsApp conversation between Messrs Adetola and Omoile was analysed and presented in court.

The prosecution further tendered some statements of the second defendant made during the investigation and urged the court to admit them as evidence.

The defence counsel, however, objected, stating that the second defendant made the statement under duress.

The court, thereafter, adjourned the case until November 21 for the report of the parties on the agreement on forensic inspection.

The judge further adjourned the case until December 2 for a trial within trial.

Emefiele: Court admits WhatsApp conversation as evidence

(NAN)

Related Topics:conversation Emefiele evidence Featured WhatsApp

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Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

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Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Violence erupted on Monday in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the reported coronation of a Nigerian national as a traditional king, prompting the Nigerian High Commission to issue a 10-point safety advisory urging Nigerians in the country to prioritise safety and maintain a low profile.

According to the advisory titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” citizens were urged to exercise caution, limit movement, avoid interactions with unfamiliar persons, and suspend socio-cultural activities to reduce the risk of becoming targets amid rising tensions. The circular also advised Nigerians to respect local laws and customs and refrain from posting inflammatory content on social media that could escalate the situation.

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Several groups, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, and the civic movement March and March, joined traditional leaders in condemning the alleged coronation as illegal and unconstitutional.

Athol Trollip, ActionSA Eastern Cape leader, said: “There is no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape. We support existing local kings, not Nigerian kings.”
Steve Motale, Patriotic Alliance spokesperson, said: “We condemn this fake coronation. Even the Nigerian High Commissioner has denounced it.”

The Royal House of AbaThembu also denied involvement, calling social media claims linking King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo to the coronation false and misleading.

The unrest follows recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where residents demanded stricter immigration policies targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. Analysts say the protests reflect broader xenophobic tensions and concern over foreign influence on local traditional structures.

The Federal Government of Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens in South Africa to remain law-abiding, cautious, and vigilant until stability returns.

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

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El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

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Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

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In a video statement, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said Bashir avoided attending the funeral to prevent detention. “My elder brother Bashir El-Rufai couldn’t make it because we learned there was a plan to arrest him… they believe if they get him, I will negotiate,” he revealed.

El-Rufai’s mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Her remains were flown to Abuja and buried on Sunday. The burial coincided with El-Rufai’s ongoing legal troubles, including his arrest and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption and money laundering.

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The former governor was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna on March 24 on a 10-count charge. His case was adjourned until March 31, 2026, for hearings on pending applications, including his bail request. He was granted temporary release from ICPC custody to attend his mother’s funeral.

Observers say El-Rufai’s claims highlight concerns over the alleged use of family members as leverage in political and legal disputes, sparking debate over the conduct of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. Analysts also note the potential political implications as El-Rufai continues to assert his innocence and challenge the legal proceedings against him.

El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Brother to Force Negotiation

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Tinubu Appoints Senator Ibrahim Ida as CAC Chairman, Names Seven NPC Commissioners

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major leadership reshuffle in key federal institutions, appointing Senator Ibrahim Ida as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and nominating seven individuals to fill vacant Federal Commissioner positions at the National Population Commission (NPC). The move is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, promoting good governance, and improving data-driven planning and corporate regulation across Nigeria.

Senator Dr. Ibrahim Ida holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Abuja. Prior to his tenure in the Senate representing Katsina Central, he served as Commissioner of Finance in Katsina State and later as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. At CAC, he is expected to streamline company registration, enhance corporate governance, and boost investor confidence.

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The seven nominees for the NPC are:

Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti State)
Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara State)
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Professor Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina State)
Suleiman Umar (Jigawa State)
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These nominees will support the NPC in population data collection, census planning, and demographic research, crucial for effective national policy formulation. Their appointments are subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

In a related development, President Tinubu also appointed Bala Mohammed Bello as Special Adviser on Political Economy. Bello, a graduate of Accounting with an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, previously served as Deputy Governor (Corporate Services) at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as Executive Director at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. Additionally, Dr. Yusuf Mohammed from Kano State was appointed Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo, a key institution for technical and vocational education in Gombe State.

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