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In a landmark initiative aimed at improving power supply management across the state, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has officially inaugurated the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC).

The inauguration, held at the Executive Chamber of the Light House, Awka, marks a decisive step in the state government’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure and service delivery.

At the helm of the newly established commission is Prof. Frank Nwoye Okafor, who will serve as both Chairman and Chief Executive Commissioner. He is joined by Engr. Geoffrey Okwuchukwu Nwokoye, Dr Nnaemeka O. Ewelukwa, Engr. Nosike Emmanuel, and Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka Obi as Executive Commissioners. Together, they are tasked with ensuring effective regulation of electricity supply to meet the needs of Anambra’s growing population and economy.

Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude to the newly appointed members for accepting their roles, extending both congratulations and commiserations.

He urged them to facilitate the state’s transition into a new electricity market while maintaining strict adherence to the legal framework.

Acknowledging the diverse expertise of the appointees, the governor noted that they represent some of the finest talents available.

He also commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the enabling legislation that defines the commission’s operations.

The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka noted that the 2023 Nigerian Electricity Act is currently being domesticated for Anambra State. He explained that the government had, over the years, been deliberate in laying a strong foundation for this development. The domesticated bill, he said, provides the legal basis for establishing ASERC and clearly outlines its mandate in regulating the state’s electricity sector.

In his remarks, the Commission Chairman, Prof. Okafor, assured that the expectations of Ndi Anambra would be met with diligence and commitment.

He admitted that the tasks ahead were substantial but achievable, promising to address past inefficiencies and losses in the sector.

He also expressed confidence that both the quantity and quality of power supply across the state would improve, emphasizing the commission’s focus on energy accountability and revenue assurance.

As the newly inaugurated commission begins its work, Governor Soludo’s administration remains optimistic that it will usher in significant improvements in Anambra’s electricity landscape-advancing the broader goal of sustainable development and economic prosperity in the state.

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Majority Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stated that he would not mind becoming Nigeria’s president at the age of 78, drawing a comparison with United States President Donald Trump.

Kalu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, where he also restated his confidence in his political experience and competence to lead the country.

‘I still have the ambition and I’m competent to be president of Nigeria. But not in 2027, I’m supporting president Tinubu,’ he said.

When the interviewer pointed out that at his current age of 65, he would be 78 if it took another 12 years before another southerner became president, Kalu maintained that age would not be a barrier to his ambition.

‘Why not, president Trump is 79. Yes, of course. If I’m healthy and God gives me life and good health. The question is not age, it’s competence. What is in my brain I need to deliver. It is not when or where it is how ready you are,’ Kalu said.

The senator representing Abia North also insisted that he remains the most important politician from the South-East, not the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Kalu said, ‘He’s not my leader, I am the most important politician from that zone. ‘I ran for president before, my 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.’

He, however, refused to discuss Obi extensively, saying he would only do so if the Labour Party candidate were present for a debate.

‘I’m a member of the APC and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi.

‘Each time you mention him, I become uncomfortable because I’ve told you before – any day you want to discuss Peter Obi with me, give us two hours, put him there, and put me here. Then we’ll sort it out,’ Kalu said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday called for drastic measures against child labour, sexual harassment, gender inequality, forced marriage, and other issues negatively affecting Nigerian girls and women.

Hon. Tajudeen made the call in Abuja while hosting young female Nigerians in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, themed ‘Girls’ Chat with the Speaker.’

He assured young Nigerians, especially females, of legislative interventions aimed at making life easier, safer, and better for them.

While October 11 is designated as the International Day of the Girl Child, the theme for the 2025 edition is ‘The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis.’

The Speaker, who consistently dedicates time and resources to gender advocacy, held an interactive session with schoolgirls drawn from across the country, representing public and private secondary and tertiary institutions.

The girls, selected through an online poll conducted by the Office of the Speaker in collaboration with the advocacy group Gender Mobile Initiative, asked Speaker Tajudeen several questions concerning issues affecting young and female Nigerians.

While noting that child marriage is on a downward trend due to public enlightenment and advocacy, the Speaker expressed concern that cases of child labour remain widespread.

He said: ‘My major concern is girl and child labour which is still endemic in this country. A lot of girls, instead of going to school, are being sent to work in the house of the rich and those who are doing well. This is an area where the National Assembly – the government – must pay extra attention.

‘We need to ensure that no girl under a certain age is allowed to be seen working as domestic staff in the houses of the well-to-do families. Those children, by implication, are being denied access to education. Not many of those families that are engaging them are allowing them to school at the same time.

‘A significant number of girls are not allowed to go to school because of that and we need to come up with legislation for stronger laws that will significantly diminish this menace. This is one area of concern.’

Speaker Tajudeen, who described the event as ‘indeed another day of history,’ noted that girls in Nigeria are performing better academically than boys.

He said: ‘It is very gladdening to say what I see today, particularly from the academic point of view, girls generally in Nigeria are doing a bit better than their counterparts – boys. I see the results from senior secondary schools; I see results from tertiary institutions; I see results from even primary schools, where almost every school you go to, you will find out that the girls are at the top. That is a very promising signal that the initiatives started in 2011 have started bearing fruit.

‘We believe there are so many areas to cover, but for me, it is a good beginning. I congratulate you girls for the good performances that you have give,n particularly in the academic sector.’

However, Tajudeen noted that challenges still persist, particularly in rural areas, ‘where girls up till now are not given their rights,s particularly access to education.’

‘I believe that with the current efforts being made by the National Assembly as well as the Executive (arm of the government) under the Ministry of Women Affairs, so much will be achieved within the next two years with this administration,’ he added.

Responding to various questions, the Speaker said the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, ‘is doing so much in changing the narratives, especially on women’s participation in parliament,’ adding that the House is considering a bill to reserve seats for women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

‘The course that we have taken is ensuring that we have more representation of women in parliament because that is where laws are enacted. Once we have more women (in parliament), they will have more say in terms of women’s and girls’ interests. The first and the most significant is to have as many women as possible in the parliament,’ he said.

Speaking on sexual harassment in schools, Speaker Tajudeen stated: ‘As a teacher, I am privileged to know so much about this endemic abuse. Having been a teacher at the primary school level and at tertiary institutions, I know the extent of the problem we are encountering in that regard. And we are doing the best we can. The major issue is resources to actually get the Acts implemented.

‘All we need in this country is to set good examples. Once we are able to set good examples of one or two of those culprits, I’m sure others with such tendencies will begin to review their actions.

‘We will support this initiative of taking the campaign to all the nooks and crannies of the country; to all our tertiary institutions that enough is enough on the issue of sexual harassment of female students particularly by lecturers and other leaders of the institutions. We will not take it anymore. We will do everything possible to ensure that we put a permanent stop to it.’

Earlier, the Executive Lead of Gender Mobile Initiative, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, said the 10 girls present ‘represent girls across Nigeria.’ She added that there are ‘millions of girls who are not able to be in this room today and we hope that their questions will represent both the struggles and the aspirations of the millions of girls.’ During the session, Sophia Ofure Onojetah inquired about gender equality in politics and governance, specifically the representation of women in parliament.

Tioluwani Faparusi inquired about efforts by the government to curb sexual harassment in schools, especially the Sexual Offences Bill, while Sabiya Aminu Suleiman raised concerns about child marriage and paedophilic crimes.

Other questions touched on the enforcement of the Child’s Rights Act at subnational levels, the welfare of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, and safety in schools following past abductions of students in Chibok and Dapchi.

Speaker Tajudeen, who addressed all the questions, explained that most of the responsibilities lie with the Executive arm of government, which is tasked with enforcing laws.

He, however, reaffirmed that the House will continue to enact laws to protect the rights of all Nigerians – men and women, young and old.

The Senate on Thursday declared that the alarming security situation in the country has no religious undertone but is primarily driven by socio-economic factors.

The Senate made the clarification while deliberating on a motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and in the International Community.’

The motion, sponsored by former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, had 20 other lawmakers as co-sponsors.

Senator Ndume, while presenting the motion, said it was imperative to correct the misinformation and misrepresentation in the international media, particularly the position taken by certain lawmakers in the U.S. Congress.

Checks revealed that the Presidency had last week criticised a United States Senator, Ted Cruz, over his claims that Nigerian officials were ignoring or facilitating the mass killing of Christians by Islamist jihadists.

Ndume, however, noted that both Christians and Muslims have been targets of attacks by bandits and terrorists across states like Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, and Kaduna, citing incidents where both churches and mosques were attacked.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the former Senate Leader maintained that it guarantees freedom of religion and equal protection for all citizens.

He further called for urgent and transparent communication, as well as interfaith solidarity, to counter extremist propaganda.

He warned that foreign narratives portraying Nigeria as a site of ‘Christian genocide’ distort the reality of the conflict and risk damaging the country’s image. After extensive debate, the Senate resolved to hold an executive session to further deliberate on the sensitive issue and stepped down the motion to the next legislative day.

In his submission, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, aligned with the position of his colleagues that terrorists are blind to religion and regions in the country.

‘If terrorism occurs in a Christian-dominated area, Christians will be the victims; if it happens in a Muslim-dominated area, Muslims will be the victims.’

He expressed concern that the growing misinformation abroad could lead to damaging international sanctions, worsening poverty, and insecurity across the country. ‘We should have a small team to visit our colleagues in the U.S., because some people must have gone there to give a one-sided story.’

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) also spoke in the same vein.

‘It is our conviction that the insecurity challenge is not religion-driven. We will step down this motion, hold an executive session, and return to plenary to report progress.’

The Lagos State House of Assembly has been urged to hasten the passage of the innovation bill to boost problem-driven research and innovation in the state.

A serving senator and former deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, gave the charge on Wednesday at the seventh research and innovation fair and exhibition organised by the Lagos State University at its main campus in Ojo.

Adebule was a keynote speaker at the event, and she spoke on the theme: ‘Promoting the quadruple helix collaboration: Government, university, industry and community.’

According to her, passage of the bill with the governor assenting to it will provide a solid link framework to accomplish research and innovation in the quest to grow the culture of innovation in Lagos State and its tertiary institutions.

She urged the vice-chancellor of LASU and her team, as well as the leadership of the institution’s innovation centre, to go all out and lobby the lawmakers to get the bill passed in good time.

She said LASU stands to benefit immensely if the Bill becomes a law since the university has already embraced the culture of research and innovation among its faculty members and students.

The lawmaker revealed that there would be a huge amount of money dedicated by law for research and innovation activities in the state-owned tertiary institutions that can translate their ideas into products and services, and also support doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.

‘That is why it wouldn’t be out of place if LASU, as a state-owned university, pays attention to ensure that the Bill is passed in good time,’ she emphasised.

Adebule disclosed that the Bill also talks about government-given incentives to companies that are interested in funding research and innovation that are people-centred.

She said by that, many companies would now be willing to fund meaningful research and innovation, making the effort of universities looking for research funders easier.

The incentives, she opened up, would come in the form of a tax holiday and other direct and indirect supports that include public-private partnerships.

She also suggested that LASU now as an institution, to reform its research management office for effective coordination of its research findings to translate into industrial inputs, marketable commodities, and specialised skills, with industry captains also becoming part of its advisory board.

The guest speaker, who has her undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral degrees from LASU, applauded the state governor and visitor to LASU, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s commitment to the development of LASU, urging him to inject more money into the university, especially to enable it to complete its various ongoing infrastructural projects

She, however, underscored the importance of collaboration in doing research to involve government, university, industry and the community.

She said collaboration between town and gown, with government and community involvement, would bring ideas into reality.

According to her, collaboration is the currency of innovation and innovation is the driver of development, while development is the true measure of leadership.

She said policies and programmes of true leaders, especially in government, must meet the diverse needs of the people they serve.

In her remarks, the vice chancellor of LASU, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, highlighted the importance of the university’s annual research fair.

She said, ‘The Fair has not only become a great platform by which the university demonstrates its commitment to move beyond theoretical knowledge to tangible solutions that drive development.

‘So, we are to use this two-day event to showcase some of our recent groundbreaking projects across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences, which are designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos State and Nigeria by extension.’

Olatunji-Bello noted that it had long become common knowledge that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development in any society, hence the focus of the Fair to look at the role of government, university, industry and the community in solving societal problems through research and innovation.

According to her, the university generates knowledge and talents, industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs, while the government provides the enabling policy, regulation and funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution and validates its utility.

‘So, our seventh Research Fair stands as a testament to the fact that LASU is not just a university in Lagos but a university for Lagos-a critical partner in the state’s socio-economic blueprint, promising that the university would continue to work together with partners and sustain the fair as a premier platform for national development.

‘So, we must use this fair not just for paper and product presentations but as a marketplace for profitable ideas,’ she added.

The vice chancellor commended the keynote speaker, especially for her acceptance to perform the role and also for her ‘untiring support’ to the university.

She expressed optimism for the great positive impact that the research fair would make in the university, Lagos State and the country at large.

The Chairman of the occasion, Sir David Sunmoni, who is the immediate past Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, acknowledged the great impact the previous research fairs had made in society, saying the event is getting better each year.

The guest speaker and Professor of Chemistry from Central State University, USA, Ibrahim Katampe, also emphasised the importance of collaboration among researchers to enable them to come up with ideas with definite goals.

According to him, it will be difficult for a lone ranger in any activity, including research work, to make a great impact with their work, let alone the society.

He spoke on transitional research to solve challenges, describing it as a situation whereby researchers form a formidable team and not group with everyone plays a key role to make a meaningful impact.

Katampe, who is also the founder of Cosmopolitan University Abuja, therefore urged LASU faculty members and students to do more for research activities.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Olayide Abas, has expressed confidence that the party’s long-standing internal crisis is finally nearing resolution, saying that recent developments indicate a renewed spirit of unity and cooperation among key stakeholders.

Abas shared this optimism on Thursday while addressing journalists during a visit to his office at the APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

‘Crises are a natural part of human interaction. In any political setting, disagreements will arise from competition and differing projections. What matters is how the leadership responds and manages such inevitable challenges. That defines the party’s growth and chances of success at the polls,’ Abas said.

Reflecting on the turbulence that has plagued the Oyo APC over the past seven to eight years, the chairman noted that the party had reached a turning point.

According to him, a recent leadership summit held on Tuesday signalled a new beginning for the party.

‘We’ve been through a lot, but today, there’s a common understanding among our leaders that ‘enough is enough.’ The summit reflected a bright future of hope, unity and progress. It was well attended by prominent stakeholders from across the state and clearly marked a shift toward reconciliation and collaboration,’ he said. Abas went on to appreciate the roles played by senior party figures, including Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Akin Oke, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Senator Brimo Yusuf, and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Peace Advocates, a group of eminent APC leaders in the state, whose efforts, he said, helped rekindle the spirit of togetherness, love, and service within the party.

‘Since I assumed office late last year, we’ve initiated various reconciliation efforts, and the results are beginning to show. The success of the recent summit, which was fully sponsored by dedicated party members, is a testament to our collective desire to reposition the APC in Oyo State,’ he added.

Abas revealed plans to set up an implementation committee to act on resolutions reached at the summit.

He also hinted at an upcoming expanded stakeholders’ meeting aimed at consolidating the gains of the reconciliation process and bringing everyone on board.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 members of an armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the killing of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie.

The gang was also linked to the death of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.

The arrests followed a directive from the FCT Commissioner of Police to ensure the swift capture of those behind the deadly attack, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. on September 29, 2025.

According to ARISE News, police sources said operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, used digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, to track and arrest the suspects across multiple locations in northern Nigeria. The arrested suspects include: Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Hassan Isah, 22 (Zaria, Kaduna State); Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba, 27 (Musawa LGA, Katsina State); Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume, 20 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba, 28 (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State); Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule, 21 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (Katsina LGA, Katsina State); Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska, 23 (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State); Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan, 30 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby, 27 (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State); Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati, 25 (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State); and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State).

Police investigations revealed that four suspects: Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another accomplice, were first arrested after detectives tracked mobile phones stolen from the victims.

During interrogation, Hassan reportedly confessed to shooting security guard Barnabas Danlami while he attempted to stop the gang from entering the compound.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to a people-centered budgeting process aimed at sustaining inclusive growth and empowering citizens across the state.

He also pledged inclusion of pensioners welfare, social development, and grassroots priorities in upcoming budget.

Makinde made this known at the 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The forum, which marked the seventh edition since the inception of his administration, brought together diverse stakeholders from across the state to present their needs, priorities, and expectations for consideration in the forthcoming budget.

In his address, Governor Makinde stressed that empowering citizens remains a key strategy in tackling poverty and promoting sustainable development.

‘When our people are empowered, they can rise above poverty and, in turn, contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. That is the foundation of our people-centered approach,’ he stated.

The Governor further assured that the proposed national minimum pension for Oyo State pensioners will be fully captured in the 2026 budget, alongside other social welfare programs under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.

He noted that his administration has elevated the standards of governance in Oyo State, such that the people, not entitled politicians, will determine his successor based on competence and performance.

Delivering the welcome address, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, described the consultative meeting as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration between government and stakeholders. He emphasized that this participatory process has played a significant role in improving the state’s budget performance and project implementation over the years.

The Chairman, House Committee on Budget, Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, reaffirmed the legislature’s partnership with the executive arm in ensuring that citizens aspirations are adequately reflected in the 2026 budget.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, the Chairman, Ibadan North-West Local Government, Hon. Rahaman Adepoju, and the Lagos State NLC Chairman, Comrade Funmi Sessi, all commended the Makinde-led administration for its visionary leadership and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for maintaining a transparent, forward-thinking approach to economic planning.

Earlier, traditional leaders and community representatives, including Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, praised Governor Makinde’s developmental strides and used the occasion to highlight their priorities and expectations for inclusion in the 2026 fiscal plan.

Governor Makinde made it known that he is of the unwavering belief that inclusive dialogue and citizen participation are vital ingredients for achieving a more prosperous and equitable Oyo State.

Members of the three non-academic unions in the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) have threatened to shut down the university if the Federal Government refuse to meet their demands for improved welfare and a conducive working environment.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Non-academic Staff of Universities (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in ATBU, on Thursday, after their meeting, embarked on a peaceful protest march from the university library to the main gate of the Yelwa Campus displaying placards with various inscriptions to send their message to the Federal Government.

Addressing journalists after, Chairman of SSANU in ATBU, who is also Chairman of Joint Action Committee (JAC), Comrade Sulisma Jatau said that, ‘We have been in this struggle for so long on the welfare issues for the members, we entered into an agreement with the Federal Government since 2009 and most of the items we signed have not been implemented by the Federal Government.’

He said, ‘We have issued warnings of strikes to notify the government of our resolve to embark on serious strike action but as of today, the government has remained adamant. That is the reason we are here protesting to enable the whole world know what we are going through.

‘After today, which is the last step we are taking, anything could happen, nobody should hold us responsible. We are ready to shut down the educational system of the country indefinitely.

‘We have given them enough Ultimatum and chance to act but they have refused to act, even last Monday, one ended. Though we met with the FG, what we were told was not palatable. We are now showing them that we are not happy with what they are doing by not meeting our demands.

‘After today, Nigerians should expect the worst from us, we are going to shut down the whole system, that is the truth and we are not going back until something positive happens.

‘It is a long story since 2009 to include N50b earned allowance promised since 2022, 2 months withheld salary because of going on legitimate strike.’

He explained that it was initially 4 months but 2 have been paid remaining 2 months as well as the 35% increase in salary implemented since January 2023, which has not been paid by the Federal Government.

He added, ‘We understand that the language they understand is force and we are ready to go the force way. We want the entire world to know that this administration is unjust, we have being demanding for one thing for more than 10 years and uptill now nothing has ever happened.

‘We are tired of promises; we are ready for a showdown. After this protest, what will come next is not going to be palatable to the Government. We are calling on the Federal Government to respect agreement, that was freely entered into, the Unions did not force the government to enter into the agreement.’

Also speaking, the Chairman of NASU, Comrade Yusuf Danazumi, stressed that, ‘Just as the JAC Chairman has said, we have been pushed to the wall and we are now ready to push back. We want the agreement to be respected, our welfare should be treated as paramount and important.’

He declared that the members are ready to cooperate with the leadership in shutting down the university system at any moment from today if the Federal Government refused to respond positively to their demands.

The trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on charges of alleged $4.5 billion fraud and abuse of office, took a significant turn on Thursday as an Ikeja Special Offences Court admitted key digital evidence, including a WhatsApp conversation and several mobile phones.

The court, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, also overruled objections raised by the defence team and admitted the digital evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The WhatsApp conversation was admitted and labelled as Exhibit ‘G,’ while the phones were also entered into evidence.

Meanwhile, EFCC Counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), continued with the testimony of EFCC operative, Mr. Alvan Grumnaan, who provided fresh insights into the evidence uncovered during the anti-graft agency’s investigations.

Grumnaan read the WhatsApp exchange in open court, detailing a conversation between a person identified as Omoike and John Adetola, instructing the latter to hand over $400,000 to ‘oga’ (Emefiele).

The witness explained that during interrogation, Adetola clarified the message, stating it was about meeting John Ikechukwu-Ayoh, Emefiele’s personal assistant (PA) at the time, to collect the money on the former CBN governor’s behalf.

‘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,’ Grumnaan told the court.

He added that Adetola confirmed the money was $400,000 and proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos, where he handed it over to Emefiele.

The witness further stated that when Ikechukwu-Ayoh, who was then working at the CBN, was invited for an interview, he also confirmed that Adetola came to his house and gave him the money to deliver to Emefiele.

The testimony revealed that the alleged transactions involved more than just the $400,000.

Grumnaan informed the court that Ikechukwu-Ayoh received another $200,000 from the same person, which was also handed over to Emefiele in his Lagos office.

The source of the funds was identified as Mr. Victor Oyedua, a CBN contractor.

‘We invited Mr. Victor Oyedua, the CBN contractor, who reported to our office and confirmed during the interview that he actually gave Ikechukwu-Ayoh the sum of $400,000 and $200,000 respectively to deliver to the first defendant,’ the witness stated. Oyedua, the contractor, confirmed that two of his contracts with the CBN were pending and he had not been paid.

According to the EFCC witness, Oyedua claimed he was told he needed to settle some management to facilitate his payment, which was the reason he handed over the $600,000. The contractor’s statement was subsequently recorded.

The prosecution further tendered original documents from a company to the EFCC, dated February 24, 2024, as evidence of information received during the investigation.

Despite objections from the defence counsel, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi (SAN), citing concerns over the authenticity and certification of the documents, the court admitted the bundle of documents as Exhibit H.

The defence also raised an objection to the admissibility of statements made by the second defendant, arguing they were made under duress.

To address this, the court adjourned the case until December 2 for a trial within a trial.

The judge also adjourned the matter until November 21 for a report on the agreement reached by the parties regarding a forensic inspection.