The court admitted WhatsApp conversations as evidence in Emefiele’s trial over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud

The Lagos Special Offenses Court, Ikeja, on Thursday admitted evidence of WhatsApp chats indicting the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, for fraud and abuse of office worth $4.5 billion.

Judge Rahman Oshodi overruled the defense’s objections and admitted WhatsApp conversations submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as evidence.

He acknowledged and labeled the document as Exhibit “G.”

The judge also admitted several cellphones as evidence.

The EFCC charged Emefiele with 19 counts of accepting gratification and corrupt prosecution.

His co-defendant, Mr Henry Omoile, is on trial on three counts of unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.

The charges involve alleged transactions amounting to $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

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EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), continued with the testimony of Mr Alvan Grumnaan (EFCC), who provided another fresh insight into the evidence uncovered during the investigation.

Grumnaan continued his evidence by reading a WhatsApp conversation between Omoile, telling John Adetola in exhibit G, that he should give $400,000 to Emefiele.

He said: “During our investigation, we sought clarification from him. He explained that there was a conversation between him and Omoile on the phone regarding how to meet Ikechukwu-Ayoh to raise $400,000 on behalf of Emefiele.

“John Adetola confirmed that he went to Lekki in Lagos, where he met John Ikechukwu-Ayoh, personal assistant to the CBN governor, to deliver the money.

“We next asked him what the message contained. He confirmed that the message was for $400,000 and proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos, where he handed it over to Emefiele at the CBN office.” The court then adjourned the case. The judge adjourned the case until November 21 for the parties’ reports regarding the forensic examination agreement.

He further adjourned the case to December 2 for trial in court.