A case involving the alleged procurement fraud by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, faced an adjournment in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
The trial of the ex-bank chief is now scheduled to continue on January 18 and 19, 2024. Emefiele is facing a six-count amended charge related to the alleged procurement of vehicles amounting to N1.6 billion. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, he was granted bail on November 17, 2023, amounting to N300 million and two sureties. He remains remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until he fulfills his bail conditions.
During the recent hearing, a Prosecution Witness, a senior official from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), informed the court that Emefiele was neither the owner nor a shareholder of April1616 Investment Limited. This company was awarded a N1.2 billion vehicle supply contract by CBN during Emefiele’s tenure. The witness, led by EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, presented various documents detailing the company’s incorporation on August 1, 2016, and identified Aminu Yaro, Maryam Abdullahi, and Saadatu Yaro as joint owners.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, mentioned that Emefiele has not yet met the bail conditions, and declined to provide further comments on the matter.
Both the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Government opted not to comment on the proceedings of the day.
