The second prosecution witness, John Ayoh in ongoing trial of the former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele who is standing trial over an alleged gratifications and others, has admitted that he has nothing to prove that the defendant instructed money on his behalf .

The witness who was a former CBN director of Information Technology (ICT) admiited this while being cross examine by Emefiele’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo over his testimony that he collected $400, 000 and $200, 000 on behalf of the defendant from contractors.

The witness gave testimony before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court, (Special Offence), Ikeja on
23 -counts charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demand and others slammed on Emefiele and one other by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ayoh was led in Evidence in Chief by the prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo in which he detailed his role in the alleged offence preffered against Emefiele by EFCC

However , under cross examination by the defendant’s counsel, Ojo, the witness said his duty as CBN ICT director then, did not required running errands for Emefiele, but he worked directly with the former CBN governor then.

Ayoh testified that he began to worked directly with Emefiele when the former Deputy Governor (Mr Adelabu) resigned .

He admitted that Emefiele was not in charge of the Procurement and Support Services Department is in charge of procurement (PSSD) of CBN , which has the sole responsibility of selecting successful contract bidders.

The witness also admitted that Emefiele didn’t informed him whether the money he collected was for gratification for the award of contracts.

Ayoh also informed the court that he didn’t gave any evidence to proof that he collected money on behalf of Emefiele from contrators to EFCC.

He also revealed that it was CBN’s
Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC) that takes final decision on award of contract with recommendation from PSSD and . Emefiele was not a member of the committee.

The witness stated that Emefiele was only a member of the Committee of Governors (COG) and their decisions are collegiate;

Ayoh further admitted that he was not told by anybody that the money given to him was briber for contract awarded but he just implied that by himself.

Besides, he also admitted that he did not acknowledge the receipt of the money nor countef it

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, has commenced investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves who were handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy in Lagos.

This was disclosed on the X handle of the EFCC on Tuesday, April 30.

The commission revealed that the suspects, alongside the vessel, were intercepted and arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy for alleged oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System, AIS, infractions.

The post reads in part: “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos State.

“The suspects are: Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor and Richard Kofi.

“Others are Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu.

“The vessel was laden with about 1,322 metric tonnes of substance “confirmed to bear the attributes of crude oil without any document permitting her to be in possession of the substance.”

The commission’s Head, Extractive Industry Fraud Section, EIFS, Moses Awolusi, assured the Navy that the suspects and the exhibits would be subjected to further investigations and prosecution.

He also commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies had enjoyed over the years.

A man with a sword has been arrested following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers got reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault around 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.

The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident in the Thurlow Gardens area.

A man with a sword has been arrested following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers in east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers got reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault around 7:00 am (0600 GMT) on Tuesday.

The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident in the Thurlow Gardens area.

It said the suspect was understood to have attacked other members of the public and two police officers.

The police added that the 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was put in custody.

The Metropolitan Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said, “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.

“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.

“People will want to know what has happened, and we will provide more information as soon as we can.”

The force said it was awaiting an update on the condition of those injured in the attacks.

Transport for London’s website confirmed Hainault Tube Station was closed “due to a police investigation in the area”.

In a post on social media site, X, formerly known as Twitter, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting, wrote, “A critical incident has been declared in Hainault.

“There are station and road closures in place. The police, ambulance service, and fire brigade are responding.

“One male is detained.”