The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on charges of alleged procurement fraud commenced at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought a six-count charge against Emefiele, accusing him of authorizing the purchase of luxury vehicles worth N1.2 billion and providing a “corrupt advantage” during the procurement process.
The EFCC presented three witnesses, including a Deputy Director of the CBN, who served as the secretary of the Major Contracts Tenders Committee.
During cross-examination, the witness clarified that contracts awarded up to April 1616 went through the CBN’s Procurement Services Department, not the Major Contracts Tenders Committee.
The witness emphasized that Emefiele, as the CBN Governor, lacked the authority to award contracts, as it was a decision within the purview of the CBN Board.
The trial judge, Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case until January 18 for further proceedings. Emefiele was granted bail at N300 million with two sureties who must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama District, with the sureties required to deposit the Certificate of Occupancy for their properties.
