Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from presenting additional witnesses beyond the 10 initially listed in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.
Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), argued that since the EFCC had previously submitted a list of 10 witnesses in its proof of evidence, introducing more at this stage would be unjust.
However, EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), objected to the motion, insisting that additional witnesses were necessary to ensure a thorough and fair trial. Oyedepo maintained that restricting the prosecution’s ability to call more witnesses would violate its right to a fair hearing.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the case to March 20 for a ruling.
Emefiele is currently facing 20 charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy, under case number FCT/HC/CR/577/2023. The former CBN governor is accused of abusing his position to grant undue advantages to two companies—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
During Monday’s proceedings, the 10th prosecution witness, Salawu Gana, testified that the contract awarded to April 1616 for vehicle procurement was conducted in accordance with due process, procurement laws, and CBN guidelines.
Under cross-examination by Emefiele’s defense team, Gana clarified that:
- The CBN’s Procurement Department thoroughly vetted and reviewed bids before awarding the contract to April 1616, which had submitted the lowest quotation.
- Emefiele’s approval was based on the CBN Tenders Board’s recommendations.
- The vehicles were duly delivered, and payments to April 1616 were made as per the board’s directives.
- Emefiele was not a member of the CBN Tenders Board.
- Neither he nor the five procurement officers involved in recommending April 1616 had been charged by the EFCC.
- There was no evidence linking Emefiele to any payments from April 1616’s bank account.
- Emefiele was neither a director, shareholder, nor signatory to April 1616’s account, as confirmed by official company records.
- There was no indication that Emefiele influenced the procurement process through calls or messages.
Gana further stated that he reported directly to his supervisor, Mr. Ekanem Akpan, rather than to Emefiele.
During the session, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) submitted several exhibits detailing the bidding process for 45 vehicle supply contracts awarded by the CBN to April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors. Gana reiterated that April 1616 secured the contracts due to its competitive pricing.
The case will resume on March 20, when the court is expected to rule on Emefiele’s motion to restrict additional EFCC witnesses.