An {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) witness, Salawu Gana, on Monday, admitted that the previous governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, didn’t affect multi-million naira contracts awarded to April 1616 Funding Ltd—one of many corporations for which Emefiele is indicted over the illegal award of contracts.
Gana, the top of the procurement unit at CBN, made this disclosure earlier than Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory Excessive Courtroom throughout a cross-examination by Emefiele’s authorized staff.
Nairametrics beforehand reported that in March 2024, the EFCC instructed the Federal Capital Territory Excessive Courtroom that Emefiele and 9 different officers on the apex {bank} have been allegedly concerned in approving multi-billion naira contracts to his spouse, Margaret; his brother-in-law; and a workers member of the apex {bank}, Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro.
Emefiele was arraigned earlier than Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT Excessive Courtroom over the alleged unlawful award of contracts.
On July 16, 2024, the Federal Capital Territory Excessive Courtroom dismissed Emefiele’s request to entry his worldwide passport to allow him to journey to the UK for a follow-up medical check-up, paving the way in which for a full trial.
On the resumption of proceedings on Monday, Gana continued his testimony.
Led in proof by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the witness tendered displays displaying the award of 45 contracts for the availability of automobiles to the CBN by April 1616, RK Briscoe, and Globe Motors.
In line with Gana, “April 1616 obtained the contract award as a result of the corporate’s bid was the bottom among the many three bidders.”
Throughout cross-examination, Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, requested the witness whether or not his shopper had given approval for the contract awarded to April 1616 after suggestions by related departments, together with procurement.
The witness responded within the affirmative.
A tenders board is a committee accountable for overseeing authorities procurement procedures.
On the finish of Gana’s testimony—the EFCC’s tenth witness—the prosecution utilized to name a further witness within the curiosity of a good listening to.
Nonetheless, Matthew Burkaa opposed the applying, insisting that each one witnesses offered by the EFCC had already testified to all of the EFCC’s documentary proof.
After listening to arguments from either side, Justice Hamza Muazu mounted March 20 to rule on the EFCC’s utility to usher in further witnesses.
Emefiele was arraigned on a 20-count cost bordering on alleged corrupt practices and forgery instituted by the EFCC.
The embattled former governor is going through felony proceedings in two different trial courts in Lagos and Abuja.
