The Trial of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele for alleged procurement fraud commenced at a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday, with the anti-graft agency calling three witnesses.
Emefiele faces six count charge of alleged procurement fraud in the sum of N1.6billion for the procurement of luxury vehicles and giving corrupt advantage to one Saadatu Yaro, a staff of the CBN.
As expected, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria was brought to Court from Kuje Prison, under tight security to face his trial.
The Prosecution Counsel, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, informed the court of three witnesses to testify at the Tuesday’s proceeding.
The witnesses were led in evidence by Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Counsel to the Defendant. Not only that, both Counsels tendered some evidence before the court in respect of the Emefiele’s count charge.
The Witnesses, Romanus Samsudeen from the Corporate Affairs Commission, Remi Jious, a Compliance Officer from the Zenith Bank and Oluwole Owoeye, Deputy Director,
Baking Services, who also double as Secretary, Contract Tender Procurement Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
All the three witnesses informed the court that the Anti-Graft Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, wrote to their respective establishment on the sum of N1.6billion for the procurement of luxury vehicles and giving corrupt advantage to one Saadatu Yaro, a staff of the CBN.
Owoeye, who had earlier pleaded with the Court through his Counsel to render his evidence off camera explained to the court the procedures for procurement at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He explained to the court that the contract in which the Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor is being prosecuted for was approved by the procurement board and never enjoyed the approval of the Contract Tender Procurement Committee, where he was the secretary before he retired.The case has however, been adjourned till January 18th and 19th, 2024, for continuation of trial.