EFCC Opens Case Against Emefiele in Alleged Procurement Fraud Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced its case against the suspended Central Bank Governor (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in an FCT High Court in Abuja on Monday, concerning charges related to procurement fraud.
Emefiele, who had previously faced six counts, now faces amended charges including criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others. The amended charges prompted a re-arraignment after his initial denial of the allegations on Friday.
The EFCC’s first witness (PW 1), Onyeka Ogbu, a deputy director in CBN branch operations, testified during the trial. He revealed that $6.2 million was earmarked for international election observers, highlighting a request for payment brought to his attention by the Banking Services department on January 8, 2023.
“Ours is to make payment, we don’t have power to approve. Having gone through the documents and satisfied, I minuted on it and sent it for processing and disbursement which was complied to,” Ogbu stated.
However, the former CBN governor’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, objected to the prosecution’s request for a stand-down, advocating for an adjournment to allow for the procurement of necessary documents and cross-examination of the witness.
Among the amended charges, the EFCC alleges that Emefiele forged a document titled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated January 26, 2023. Furthermore, Emefiele is accused of conspiring with Odoh Ocheme to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming it was requested by the SGF, despite knowing it to be false.
The anti-graft agency also alleges that a contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge in Lagos was awarded to a company wherein Emefiele and Ocheme are directors and majority shareholders, violating various sections of the corrupt practices and other related offences Act, 2000, as well as the penal code.
The trial, which began on Monday, is set to continue on Tuesday, with Justice Hamza Muazu presiding over the proceedings.
This development follows previous charges against Emefiele and Mrs. Sa’adatu Yaro, and a company, April 1616 Investment Limited, on alleged breaches of the procurement Act in relation to the purchase of vehicles.
The case underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combatting financial impropriety and holding public officials accountable for alleged fraudulent activities. As the trial progresses, all eyes remain on the courtroom for further developments in this high-profile case.
