Witness testifies against Emefiele in Abuja Court over alleged procurement irregularities

An Abuja High Court, on Monday, heard testimony from prosecution witness Stephen Gana, former Head of Procurement Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), alleging preferential treatment for Emefiele’s companies in vehicle procurement contracts.

Gana, testifying in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case against Emefiele, confirmed approving contracts for vehicles (Exhibits F4-F45).

“The CBN acquired Toyota vehicles worth N99,900,000 from April 1616 Company Ltd through direct procurement,” Gana stated. He cited Exhibit F5, noting two Toyota Hilux vehicles purchased for N23,100,000 each through selective bidding. April 1616 Company secured the contract with the lowest bid, matching CBN’s in-house estimate.

Gana explained CBN contract awards occur through direct procurement or selective bidding, guided by procurement department officials.

Read Also: NDLEA claims Senator Ashiru’s outburts against it born out of vendetta for discovering illicit drugs in his house

Following the testimony, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo requested an adjournment from the original October 22 next adjourned date. “I’m appearing in a Supreme Court case filed by Kogi and 15 other states against EFCC on Tuesday,” Oyedepo explained.

Defense counsel Matthew Burkaa raised concerns about high movement costs but didn’t object. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until November 13.

Emefiele faces allegations including criminal breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy. Specifically, forging a Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions document and unlawfully favoring April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Architekon Nigeria Ltd specializes in sustainable development, construction and infrastructure projects, established in 2009 with founder Mackombo Omoile, a US-trained developer.

The case, FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, underscores EFCC’s efforts to combat procurement fraud and corruption.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now