A prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has detailed how Emefiele allegedly awarded 45 contracts worth billions of naira to family members, including his wife, Margaret Emefiele, and associates. The witness, Agboro Michael, an ICPC investigator, testified that companies owned by Emefiele’s wife and associates were awarded contracts for the supply of Toyota vehicles, despite lacking accreditation from Toyota.
The contracts, according to Michael, also included house renovations and landscaping of the CBN governor’s residence. He highlighted that the contracts were awarded to confer corrupt advantages on the beneficiaries. Emefiele, who served as CBN governor for nearly a decade, faces corruption charges amounting to $6.23 million, including conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining by false pretence.
The witness further testified that payments for the contracts were approved by Emefiele, with his signature appearing on the documents. He mentioned specific payments approved by Emefiele for the supply of Toyota vehicles and other services. The investigation also revealed that Emefiele’s wife and brother-in-law were directors of companies that benefited from the contracts.
During cross-examination, the defence questioned why Emefiele was the only one being prosecuted when others whose signatures appeared on the documents were also involved. Michael explained that Emefiele was the approving authority, while others only minuted on the documents and did not have the power to make such payments and approvals.
The defence sought to tender Emefiele’s statement at the Nigerian Police Force as evidence, but the prosecution objected, stating that it needed to be certified before it could be tendered as an exhibit. The defence promised to provide the certified copy at the next adjourned date.
In response to questions about the CBN’s contract award procedure, Michael stated that the contracts went through the statutory bodies at the bank and were vetted through the procurement department. He also clarified that there was no official communication from Emefiele recommending the companies for the contracts.
The trial has been adjourned until 25 April for further hearing. Emefiele has denied the charges, and the case continues to unfold as more details emerge about the alleged fraudulent activities during his tenure as CBN governor.
Premium Times