The embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from calling additional witnesses in his procurement fraud trial.
Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), argued that the EFCC had initially listed only 10 witnesses in its proof of evidence and should not be permitted to introduce more.
However, EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), objected to the request, stating that additional witnesses were crucial for a fair and thorough case presentation.
He contended that restricting the agency from calling more witnesses would violate its right to a fair hearing.
After hearing arguments from both sides on Monday, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case to March 20 for a ruling.
Fraud Allegations Against Emefiele
Emefiele is currently 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 give unfair advantages to two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Defense Testimony in Court
During Monday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s 10th witness, Salawu Gana, testified that the contract awarded to April 1616 for vehicle procurement at the CBN followed legal procurement procedures and guidelines.
Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Gana stated that:
The CBN Procurement Department assessed the bids and found that April 1616 offered the lowest price, leading to its selection.
Emefiele only approved the contract based on the CBN Tenders Board’s recommendations.
The vehicles were duly supplied, and April 1616 was paid after meeting all requirements.
Emefiele was not a member of the CBN Tenders Board and did not personally influence the contract’s outcome.
There was no evidence showing that money was transferred from April 1616’s bank account to Emefiele.
Additionally, Gana clarified that Emefiele was not a director, shareholder, or signatory of April 1616 and had no direct involvement in the procurement process.
EFCC Submits More Evidence
During the session, EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Oyedepo, submitted bundles of documents related to the bidding process for 45 contracts, which involved April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors.
Despite the prosecution’s argument, Gana maintained that April 1616 won the contracts legitimately because it provided the lowest quotations.
What’s Next?
With Justice Muazu’s ruling scheduled for March 20, it remains to be seen whether the court will allow the EFCC to introduce more witnesses or uphold Emefiele’s objection.
Stay Updated with NIGPOST
For more legal and business news, visit NIGPOST.com.ng.
Leave a Reply