An investigator with the Independent, Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has said that the Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele awarded contracts to wife’s company.
Michael Agboro testified before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Monday, regarding the alleged awarding of contracts to companies belonging to Godwin Emefiele’s wife, Margret and a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Yaro.
The contracts were for the renovation of the CBN governor’s lodge in Lagos, as well as the supply of power lines and vehicles for the bank.
Agboro, who is the 7th prosecution witness, presented several documents, including company registration documents, awards of contracts, and payments for contracts relating to the two companies.
He confirmed that Emefiele, who is standing trial on 20 counts amended charges bordering on forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money to the tune of $6.23 million, did not gain any unfair, corrupt advantage in the award of contracts to some companies during his tenure.
During cross examination, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, asked if they found any evidence that his client was a director, shareholder, or signatory to any account in either April1616 limited or Architekon Nigeria limited.
The investigator confirmed that they did not find any such evidence. He also admitted that April 1616 went through a bidding process with other companies and won the various contracts awarded to it, however, he did not visit the contract sites to verify if the jobs awarded to the firms were done.
The matter was adjourned till April 25 for further trial by Justice Hamza Muazu.
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