Ex-CBN Gov Emefiele allegedly awarded multi-billion contracts to wife, in-law - Witness

Following the trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, a witness has disclosed that Emefiele allegedly awarded 45 contracts worth billions of naira to relatives and associates, including his wife.

It was reported that Agboro Michael, an investigator with the ICPC, identified two beneficiaries: April 1616 Investment Limited, owned by an associate of Emefiele, and Architekon Nigeria Limited, owned by Emefiele's wife.

According to reports, the witness also mentioned that one of Emefiele's brothers also received contracts.

The witness said:

“My Lord, these companies were awarded about 45 contracts to supply Toyota Vehicles. We were worried as investigators as to how a particular company would get bids concurrently to supply vehicles.

"We did our investigation and discovered that the company was not even accredited by Toyota.”

Michael, who is the seventh prosecution witness, revealed this at the FCT high court on Monday, March 11, 2024.

In his view, the contracts Emefiele awarded were intended to provide corrupt benefits to the recipients.

Emefiele is currently facing corruption allegations after a decade as the CBN Governor after President Tinubu removed him from office in June 2023. He faces charges of corruption, conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretences, totalling $6.23 million.

Emefiele pleaded not guilty to these charges during his re-arraignment in January.