Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
A Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has adjourned an alleged procurement fraud case involving ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, to January 18 and 19, 2024, for continuation of trial.
Mr Emefiele is standing trial on a six-count amended charge on alleged procurement of vehicles to the tune of N1.6 billion.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He was granted bail on November 17, 2023, to the tune of N300 million, and two sureties and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending when he meets his bail conditions.
However, Business Post gathered that the banker has not been able to meet the conditions to gain his freedom.
At the resumed hearing, the Prosecution Witness, who is a top official of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) told the court that Mr Emefiele was not the owner or a shareholder of the April1616 Investment Limited, awarded N1.2 billion vehicle supply contract by CBN under Mr Emefiele.
He was led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, while tendering several documents on how the company was incorporated on August 1, 2016.
He further read out the names of the shareholders of the Company which comprises Mr Aminu Yaro, Mrs Maryam Abdullahi, and Mrs Saadatu Yaro as joint owners of the entity.
Mr Emefiele’s lawyer, Mr Mathew Burkaa, who declined to speak on camera, said his client is yet to meet his bail conditions. But the former CBN governor was in court.
The Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Government declined to speak on the day’s proceedings.
Recall that earlier this month, the federal government arraigned Mr Emefiele on a six-count charge bordering on alleged fraudulent procurements.
The original charge, which was 20 counts to the tune of N6.5 billion, was reduced to six to the tune of N1.6 billion.
According to the amended charge sheet, the charges still border on procurement fraud.
The prosecutors alleged that Mr Emefiele illegally bought 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020 worth N1.2 billion.
He was also accused of awarding a contract for the procurement of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles valued at N854 million.
He was also accused of conferring a corrupt advantage contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 by awarding a contract for the supply of one Toyota Landcruiser V8 April 1616 Investment Ltd., in 2019 at the cost of N73 million among others.
