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Emefiele Counters EFCC’s Move To Call More Witnesses

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has asked the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to bar the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from introducing additional witnesses in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.

Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), argued on Monday that since the EFCC initially listed only 10 witnesses in its proof of evidence, it should not be permitted to call more. However, EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the motion, insisting that additional testimonies were crucial for a fair and comprehensive trial. He argued that restricting the EFCC from presenting more witnesses would undermine its right to a fair hearing. After considering both sides, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the ruling to March 20.

Emefiele faces 20 charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy, in case FCT/HC/CR/577/2023. He is accused of abusing his position 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 procuring CBN vehicles followed due process. Under cross-examination, Gana stated that the CBN Procurement Department reviewed all bids and awarded the contract to April 1616 because it offered the lowest price.

He further testified that Emefiele approved the contract based on the CBN Tenders Board’s recommendations. He emphasized that Emefiele was neither a member of the board nor involved in the procurement process and that no evidence links payments from April 1616’s bank account to him.

Additionally, Gana confirmed that Emefiele was not a director, shareholder, or signatory of April 1616 and had no direct oversight of procurement staff. The EFCC presented documents related to 45 contracts involving April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors, but Gana maintained that April 1616 secured the contracts due to its competitive pricing.


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