by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced legal proceedings against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for his alleged involvement in a procurement fraud case being heard at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Emefiele faces amended charges comprising 20 counts, including criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others. Initially arraigned on November 28, 2023, for six counts, Emefiele denied all charges and pleaded not guilty after the EFCC filed amended charges, necessitating a re-arraignment.
The EFCC’s first witness, Onyeka Ogbu, a deputy director in CBN branch operations, testified under the guidance of EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) on Monday. Ogbu disclosed that $6.2 million was allocated for international election observers.
Ogbu stated, “On January 8, 2023, a request for payment of 6.2 million dollars was brought to my attention by the Banking services department. Ours is to make payment; we don’t have the power to approve. Having gone through the documents and satisfied, I minuted on it and sent it for processing and disbursement, which was complied with.”
The prosecution counsel requested a brief adjournment to obtain additional documents. However, Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), opposed the request, suggesting that an adjournment would allow for the procurement of all Certified True Copies and for cross-examination of the witness.
After considering their submissions, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the matter until Tuesday for the continuation of the trial.
Meanwhile, in some of the amended charges, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele forged a document titled: “RE: Presidential Directive On Foreign Election Observer Missions,” dated January 26, 2023, despite knowing it was false, which constitutes an offense under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Furthermore, the EFCC alleged that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele colluded with Odoh Ocheme, now a fugitive, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, falsely claiming it was requested by the SGF. The EFCC also alleged that a contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge was awarded to a company wherein Emefiele and Ocheme are directors and majority shareholders, contravening various provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as sections of the Penal Code.
