EFCC Launches Investigation Into Alleged Procurement Fraud By Emefiele

EFCC Launches Investigation Into Alleged Procurement Fraud By Emefiele

The trial of the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, commenced on Monday at the FCT High Court in Abuja, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its case against him regarding a procurement fraud charge………CONTINUE READING

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Emefiele faces amended charges, including 20 counts of criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others. He had initially faced six counts and was first arraigned on November 28, 2023. The amended charges led to a re-arraignment, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges during the hearing.

The EFCC’s First Witness, Onyeka Ogbu, a Deputy Director in CBN branch operations, testified that a sum of 6.2 million dollars was earmarked for international election observers. He stated that on January 8, 2023, a request for the payment was brought to his attention by the Banking Services department. Ogbu clarified that their role was to facilitate payment, not approve it. After reviewing the documents and ensuring satisfaction, he processed the payment for disbursement.

The prosecution requested a stand-down to obtain additional documents, but Emefiele’s defense, led by Matthew Burkaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed the request. Burkaa argued that an adjournment would be more appropriate to allow the prosecution to gather Certified True Copies and for the witness to undergo cross-examination.

Following the submissions, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the trial to the next day for its continuation.

In the amended charges, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele forged a document titled “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS” in January 2023. The anti-graft agency claimed that Emefiele knew the document was false, thereby violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Furthermore, the charges asserted that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele collaborated with Odoh Ocheme, who is currently evading authorities, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN. They claimed the funds were requested based on a letter dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201, allegedly from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The EFCC also accused Emefiele of awarding a renovation contract for the CBN Governor’s lodge to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited, in which both Emefiele and Ocheme are directors and majority shareholders. The charges cited violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and sections 315, 363, and 364 of the penal code.

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Source: Bushradiogist