Segun Atanda/
In a significant development in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the seventh prosecution witness testified today that Emefiele had signed and approved substantial contract awards and payments to companies linked to his wife, Margaret, and her brother, Jonathan Omoile.
Agboro Michael, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and a member of the inter-agency investigation team comprising the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force, provided crucial testimony before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Under cross-examination by defense counsel Mathew Burkaa (SAN), Michael confirmed that Emefiele was the approving authority for contracts awarded to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, owned by Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, a CBN staff member, Margaret Emefiele, and her brother, Jonathan Omoile.
Burkaa presented exhibits F24 to F44, which included letters from the CBN to April 1616 Investment Limited for car supply contracts, as well as payment requests for these cars, all signed by Emefiele. Additionally, exhibits A1 to A8 were identified as memos from the CBN for contracts awarded to Architekon Nigeria Limited. These contracts, approved by Emefiele, involved the renovation of the CBN governor’s residence, the provision of dedicated power lines, and the supply of furniture.
Justice Muazu admitted these exhibits into evidence and adjourned the case until June 25, 2024, for further re-examination of the witness.
Mr. Emefiele faces amended charges, totaling 20 counts, including conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining by false pretenses.
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