An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, on Friday, fixed February 12, 2024, for the commencement of the trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over alleged procurement fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed against Emefiele an amended 20-count charge of criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others.

The former CBN Governor, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his plea, and the prayer of his counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), for him to remain on his existing bail condition, Justice Hamza Muazu granted it.

Justice Muazu then adjourned until February 12 for the commencement of trial since the prosecution did not object to the prayer.

In some of the amended charges, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled, “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions”, and dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

The EFCC alleged that Emefiele made the claim knowing the same to be false.

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According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated January 26 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.”

The anti-graft agency added that “the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s lodge, located at  No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Ltd, wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders.”

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravened the provisions of sections 17 and 19 of the corrupt practices and other related offences Act, 2000, also, sections 315, 363, and 364 of the penal code.

The anti-graft agency had, in August, first charged Emefiele, Mrs Sa’adatu Yaro, and a company, April 1616 Investment Limited, purported to belong to Yaro, on alleged breach of the procurement Act in respect of the purchase of some vehicles.

However, the arraignment could not go on because of the reported ill health of Yaro.

The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on November 28, drew the attention of the court to an amended charge dated November 8, 2023.

In the charge, Emefiele was the sole defendant and the charges were reduced from 20 to six, to which Emefiele pleaded not guilty.

Justice Muazu on November 22, 2023, granted him bail in the sum of N300 million.

The judge ordered two sureties in the like sum of the N300 million who must have property in the Maitama area of Abuja.

Justice Muazu added that Emefiele should submit to the Registrar of the Court his travelling documents and must be within Abuja within the period of his trial.

The judge, however, granted him leave on Thursday, January 18, 2024, to travel outside Abuja and not abroad.

The Star