An Abuja High Court, on Monday, heard testimony from prosecution witness Stephen Gana, former Head of Procurement Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), alleging preferential treatment for Emefiele’s companies in vehicle procurement contracts.
Gana, testifying in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case against Emefiele, confirmed approving contracts for vehicles (Exhibits F4-F45).
“The CBN acquired Toyota vehicles worth N99,900,000 from April 1616 Company Ltd through direct procurement,” Gana stated. He cited Exhibit F5, noting two Toyota Hilux vehicles purchased for N23,100,000 each through selective bidding. April 1616 Company secured the contract with the lowest bid, matching CBN’s in-house estimate.
Gana explained CBN contract awards occur through direct procurement or selective bidding, guided by procurement department officials.
Following the testimony, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo requested an adjournment from the original October 22 next adjourned date. “I’m appearing in a Supreme Court case filed by Kogi and 15 other states against EFCC on Tuesday,” Oyedepo explained.
Defense counsel Matthew Burkaa raised concerns about high movement costs but didn’t object. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until November 13.
Emefiele faces allegations including criminal breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy. Specifically, forging a Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions document and unlawfully favoring April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Architekon Nigeria Ltd specializes in sustainable development, construction and infrastructure projects, established in 2009 with founder Mackombo Omoile, a US-trained developer.
The case, FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, underscores EFCC’s efforts to combat procurement fraud and corruption.
