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Emefiele: Court admits WhatsApp conversation as evidence

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Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele
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)

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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah
Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

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