An investigator from the Independent, Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) testified in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, revealing that former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, awarded contracts to companies belonging to his wife and a CBN staff member.
Michael Agboro, the investigator, stated that April 1616 and Architekon Nigeria Limited, owned by Emefiele’s wife and Sa’adatu Yaro respectively, were awarded multiple contracts for the renovation of the CBN governor’s lodge in Lagos, as well as the supply of power lines and vehicles for the bank.
Emefiele is currently facing trial on charges of forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretense, and obtaining money amounting to $6.23 million.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him of using his position to approve payments to Architekon Nigeria Ltd and for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s residence in Lagos.
During the court proceedings, Agboro presented various documents, including company registration documents, awards of contracts, and payments for contracts related to the two companies.
It was revealed that Sa’adatu Yaro, a CBN staff member, is a director of April 1616, while Margaret Omoyile, Emefiele’s wife, and his brother-in-law, Mac Congo, are directors of Architekon.
Agboro also mentioned that Architekon had no previous contractual dealings with the apex bank until Emefiele’s appointment as CBN governor.
However, when cross-examined by Emefiele’s lawyer, Agboro clarified that there was no evidence suggesting that Emefiele was a director, shareholder, or signatory to any account in either April 1616 or Architekon.
He also admitted that he did not personally verify whether the awarded contracts were completed by visiting the contract sites.
The trial is set to continue on April 25th, as scheduled by Justice Hamza Muazu.
Article updated 3 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
