Matilda Omonaiye/
Fresh revelations have emerged in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, as a key witness testified that a vehicle procurement contract was allegedly rigged in favor of a preferred bidder.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified on Monday that its 10th witness, Salawu Gana, former head of procurement at the CBN, did not justify the contracts awarded during Emefiele’s tenure. Instead, Gana disclosed that bidding information was leaked to April 1616, giving the company an unfair advantage in securing the contract.
During proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court before Justice Hamza Muazu, Gana revealed that three companies—RT. Briscoe, Globe Motors, and April 1616—submitted quotations. However, April 1616 was given access to the CBN’s internal cost estimates, enabling it to structure its bid lower than its competitors.
“We initiated the procurement process, we asked the various dealers to submit their quotations. April 1616 was provided a guide to the in-house estimate and then they all submitted their quotations,” Gana testified. He said that April 1616 made a bid of N69 million, RT. Briscoe N77,050,000, and Globe Motors N77,179,999—securing the contract due to its artificially lowered bid.
The defense, led by Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, sought to block the EFCC from calling additional witnesses, arguing that all necessary evidence had been presented. However, EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, countered that restricting witness testimony would undermine the commission’s right to a fair hearing.
Justice Muazu adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, to rule on the defense’s application.
Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge, including allegations of corrupt advantages, criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy, and obtaining $6.23 million by false pretenses.
As the trial unfolds, the latest testimony raises further questions about procurement practices under Emefiele’s leadership and strengthens the EFCC’s case against the embattled former CBN governor.
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