In the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, a seventh prosecution witness (PW7) testified before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on Monday, March 11, 2024. The witness, identified as Agboro Michael, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), detailed how Emefiele allegedly signed and approved contracts awarded to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, companies purportedly owned by Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero (Emefiele’s wife), Margaret Emefiele, and his in-law.
Michael, led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, recounted that the investigation team, which included agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Police, delved into allegations of abuse of office and conferring unfair advantages to public officers and their relatives.
The witness highlighted instances where contracts worth significant sums were allegedly awarded to companies associated with Emefiele’s relatives. He pointed out irregularities in the bidding process and questioned the accreditation of certain companies to supply vehicles. Michael referenced documents showing Emefiele’s purported approval of payments amounting to millions of naira to these companies.
Additionally, Michael disclosed financial transactions credited to April 1616 Investment Nigeria Limited from the CBN, raising further suspicions regarding the alleged improprieties.
The witness asserted that Emefiele’s role as the approving authority placed him at the center of the investigation, emphasizing that others involved in the process lacked the authority to make such approvals.
During cross-examination, the defense sought to introduce Emefiele’s statement to the Nigerian Police as evidence. However, the prosecution objected, prompting the defense to withdraw the document, pledging to provide a certified copy at a later date.
The testimony provided by PW7 sheds light on the allegations against Emefiele and underscores the complexity of the case surrounding the purported contract awards to his relatives and associated companies.
