Emefiele’s Alleged N1.6bn Fraud Case Adjourned To Jan 2024

 

A Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has adjourned an alleged procurement fraud case involving ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

The court adjourned the trial of the ex-bank chief to January 18 and 19, 2024 for continuation of trial.

Emefiele is standing trial on a six-count amended charge on alleged procurement of vehicles to the tune of N1.6bn.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was granted bail on November 17, 2023, to the tune of N300m, and two sureties and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending when he meets his bail conditions.

At the resumed hearing, the Prosecution Witness, who is a top official of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) told the court that Emefiele was not the owner or a shareholder of the April1616 Investment Limited, awarded N1.2bn vehicle supply contract by CBN under Emefiele.

He was led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, while tendering several documents on how the company was incorporated on August 1, 2016.

He further read out the names of the shareholders of the Company which comprises Aminu Yaro, Maryam Abdullahi, and Saadatu Yaro as joint owners of the entity.

Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, who declined to speak on camera, said his client is yet to meet his bail conditions. But the former CBN governor was in court.

Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Government declined to speak on the day’s proceedings.