A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court recently adjourned the trial of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, until June 24 at the request of the prosecution. Emefiele faces charges of criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretense during his tenure at the CBN.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Emefiele forged a document and used his position at the CBN to grant unfair advantages to two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. The charges include obtaining $6.2 million under false pretense, claiming it was in line with a presidential directive.
During the recent court session, Emefiele’s counsel apologized for his absence, citing a letter from the prosecution requesting the adjournment. The judge emphasized the importance of Emefiele’s presence in court.
The prosecution’s witness, an investigator from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), testified previously, alleging that Emefiele favored the two companies in contract awards. However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted Emefiele did not directly benefit from these contracts and that Emefiele’s involvement was limited to his wife’s association with one of the companies.
The witness also confirmed that the contracts underwent a bidding process and that payments to contractors after job completion were appropriate. Despite the scrutiny, the witness acknowledged that Emefiele’s wife’s connection to one of the companies was confirmed by Emefiele himself.
The trial highlights allegations of misconduct during Emefiele’s tenure at the CBN, with ongoing legal proceedings aiming to address these accusations.
