A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged procurement fraud case involving the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The trial, which revolves around a six-count amended charge related to the alleged procurement of vehicles amounting to N1.6 billion, is set to continue on January 18 and 19, 2024.
Emefiele, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted bail on November 17, 2023, in the sum of N300 million, with two sureties. However, he remains remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.
During the recent court hearing, a Prosecution Witness, a high-ranking official of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), testified 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 the CBN during Emefiele’s tenure.
The witness, led by EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, presented documents outlining the company’s incorporation on August 1, 2016, and identified Aminu Yaro, Maryam Abdullahi, and Saadatu Yaro as the joint owners.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, confirmed his client’s presence in court but stated that he is yet to meet the bail conditions.
The former CBN governor was visibly present during the proceedings. Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Government declined to comment on the day’s proceedings.
