The Federal Government has brought charges against the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, pertaining to alleged procurement irregularities. Initially facing 20 counts amounting to N6.5 billion, the charges have been reduced to six, involving N1.6 billion, with Emefiele being the lone defendant.
Appearing in court on Friday, Emefiele entered a plea of not guilty to the six-count charge presented against him. The former CBN governor arrived just in time for the commencement of the day’s proceedings.
According to the amended charge sheet, the allegations center around procurement fraud. The Federal Government claims that between 2018 and 2020, Emefiele unlawfully purchased 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion. Moreover, he stands accused of awarding a contract for the supply of 37 Toyota Hilux vehicles, valued at N854 million.
The charges, read in court, accused Emefiele of utilizing his position as CBN Governor to confer corrupt advantages upon Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro, a CBN staff member and director of April1616 Investment Ltd. The first count specifically addressed the awarding of a contract for the supply of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles to April1616 Investment Ltd. The second count accused Emefiele of conferring an advantage by awarding a contract for the supply of one Toyota Avalon to the same company. Further counts alleged the illegal awarding of contracts for the supply of a Toyota Landcruiser V8 and two Toyota Hilux Shell Specification Vehicles to April1616 Investment Ltd.
The case was adjourned by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court until November 22, pending a ruling on Emefiele’s bail application, and trial proceedings will commence on November 28. In the meantime, the court ordered that Emefiele be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
