In a detailed testimony on Monday, a prosecution witness alleged that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele awarded 45 contracts, collectively valued at billions of naira, to family members and associates, including his wife, Margaret Emefiele.
Agboro Michael, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), identified April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited as beneficiaries of the contracts. The witness outlined how Emefiele allegedly used his position to confer corrupt advantages on these entities.
Contracts ranged from supplying Toyota vehicles to house renovations, with payments approved by Emefiele for services allegedly not duly procured. The witness emphasized that the investigative team, involving multiple agencies, found irregularities in the procurement processes, including contracts awarded to companies lacking accreditation.
Emefiele faces corruption charges related to these activities, including allegations of fraudulently approving payments for contracts to benefit his wife and associates. The trial, ongoing at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, resumes on April 25.
Emefiele, who served as CBN governor for nearly a decade, has consistently denied the charges, which include corruption, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretense amounting to $6.23 million.
