Emefiele: EFCC witness admits ex-CBN governor did not influence contracts awarded to company

Gana, the head of the procurement unit at CBN, made this disclosure before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court during a cross-examination by Emefiele’s legal team.

Naijaonpoint previously reported that in March 2024, the EFCC told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that Emefiele and nine other officials at the apex bank were allegedly involved in approving multi-billion naira contracts to his wife, Margaret; his brother-in-law; and a staff member of the apex bank, Sa’adatu Ramallan Yaro.

Emefiele was arraigned before Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court over the alleged illegal award of contracts.

On July 16, 2024, the Federal Capital Territory High Court dismissed Emefiele’s request to access his international passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for a follow-up medical check-up, paving the way for a full trial.

At the resumption of proceedings on Monday, Gana continued his testimony.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, NAIJAONPOINT tendered exhibits showing the award of 45 contracts for the supply of vehicles to the CBN by April 1616, RK Briscoe, and Globe Motors.

According to Gana, “April 1616 got the contract award because the company’s bid was the lowest among the three bidders.”

During cross-examination, Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, asked NAIJAONPOINT whether his client had given approval for the contract awarded to April 1616 after recommendations by relevant departments, including procurement.

NAIJAONPOINT responded in the affirmative.

A tenders board is a committee responsible for overseeing government procurement procedures.

At the end of Gana’s testimony—the EFCC’s 10th witness—the prosecution applied to call an additional witness in the interest of a fair hearing.

However, Matthew Burkaa opposed the application, insisting that all witnesses presented by the EFCC had already testified to all the EFCC’s documentary evidence.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Hamza Muazu fixed March 20 to rule on the EFCC’s application to bring in additional witnesses.

Emefiele was arraigned on a 20-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices and forgery instituted by the EFCC.

The embattled former governor is facing criminal proceedings in two other trial courts in Lagos and Abuja.

The embattled former governor is facing criminal proceedings in two other trial courts in Lagos and Abuja.