In the ongoing trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness, Victor Onyejiuwa, testified before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, alleging that he was pressured to pay a $600,000 bribe for the award of a contract.
Onyejiuwa, the Managing Director of Resource Computer Limited, stated that his company provides information and communication technology services and had provided services to the CBN between 2014 and 2019. He mentioned that his company was awarded at least five contracts during this period, including an "enterprise storage and servers" contract in 2017.
He recounted being approached by a former director at the CBN after executing the contract, who allegedly demanded a bribe on behalf of the management. According to Onyejiuwa, he felt pressured to comply to ensure timely payment for the contract. He eventually organized and paid $400,000 and $200,000 to facilitate the payment.
Another prosecution witness, John Ayoh, admitted to collecting the bribe but claimed he was never on good terms with Emefiele. He stated that his loyalty was to the bank and the Nigerian nation, and his relationship with Emefiele was formal and based on instructions.
The case has been adjourned till May 17, 2024, for continuation of trial. Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, are facing a 26-count charge related to the alleged bribery incident.
