Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from calling additional witnesses in his ongoing trial for procurement fraud.
Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), argued that since the EFCC initially listed only 10 witnesses in its proof of evidence, it should not be allowed to introduce more. However, the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered the argument, stating that additional testimonies were necessary for a fair and thorough trial.
Justice Hamza Muazu has adjourned the ruling on the matter until March 20.
Emefiele is facing 20 counts of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy in the case marked 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.
During Monday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s 10th witness, Salawu Gana, testified that the contract awarded to April 1616 for the procurement of vehicles for the CBN followed due process. Under cross-examination, Gana stated that the CBN Procurement Department selected April 1616 because it offered the lowest bid and that Emefiele only approved the contract based on recommendations from the CBN Tenders Board.
He further clarified that Emefiele was not a member of the Tenders Board, was neither a director nor a shareholder of April 1616, and had no financial ties to the company.
The EFCC presented documents related to the bidding process for multiple contracts, including those involving April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors. However, Gana maintained that the contracts were awarded based on merit.
The case continues as both sides prepare for the next court hearing.
