Emefiele Fights Back: Ex-CBN Governor Clashes With EFCC As Court Delays Verdict

Embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to block the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from presenting more witnesses beyond the 10 initially listed in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), argued that since the EFCC had initially submitted only 10 witnesses in its proof of evidence, the agency should not be allowed to introduce additional testimonies.

However, EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the motion, insisting that more witnesses were necessary for a fair and comprehensive trial. Oyedepo argued that restricting the EFCC would amount to a violation of its right to a fair hearing.

After hearing both arguments on Monday, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case to March 20 for a ruling.

Emefiele Faces 20-Count Charge

Emefiele is facing 20 charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy, under case number FCT/HC/CR/577/2023. He is accused of using his position as CBN Governor to grant corrupt advantages to two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

CBN Procurement Process in Focus

During Monday’s hearing, the EFCC’s 10th witness, Salawu Gana, testified that the contract awarded to April 1616 for vehicle procurement complied with procurement laws and CBN guidelines.

Under cross-examination, Gana stated that:

• The CBN Procurement Department vetted all quotations before awarding the contract.
• April 1616 secured the deal as the lowest bidder, and the contract was approved based on recommendations from the CBN Tenders Board.
• Emefiele was not a member of the board and did not interfere in the procurement process.
• He had no direct financial ties to April 1616, was not a shareholder, director, or signatory to its bank account.

Gana further revealed that neither he nor the five procurement officers who approved the deal were charged by the EFCC. He also confirmed that Emefiele did not influence the process through calls or messages.

EFCC Submits New Evidence

During the hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) presented bundles of exhibits detailing bidding processes for 45 different vehicle supply contracts awarded by the CBN to April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors.

In his testimony, Gana reiterated that April 1616 secured the contracts based on competitive pricing and compliance with procurement regulations.