Michael Agboro, the seventh prosecution witness, testified on Monday, alleging that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele unlawfully awarded contracts to companies owned by his wife and brother-in-law.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 20-count amended charge against Emefiele before the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The EFCC charges include criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence during Emefiele’s tenure as CBN governor. One accusation involves forging a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions,” dated January 26, 2023, purportedly from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).
Emefiele is also accused of using his office to confer corrupt advantages on two companies: April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. Agboro, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), testified that Emefiele conferred advantages on Saadatu Yaro, a public officer working under him, as well as on his wife and brother-in-law.
During cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, Agboro stated that Emefiele approved the contracts but was not a member of the tender’s board or procurement department. He clarified that their investigation was limited to Emefiele, his wife, relatives, and associates, revealing no direct financial benefit to Emefiele from the companies.
The witness admitted to interviewing CBN staff to verify if the firms executed their contracted jobs but could not recall if this was included in the final report. He also tendered several documents, including company registration and contract award documents.
Agboro’s testimony highlighted that Yaro, a director of April 1616, is a public officer at the CBN, while Emefiele’s wife, Margaret Omoyile, and brother-in-law, Mac Congo, were directors of Architekon.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until Tuesday for further re-examination of the witness.
