Corruption Allegations Against Former CBN Governor: Emefiele’s Trial Unveils Abuse of Office

In the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, Agboro Michael, an investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), testified on the charge of abuse of office and conferring an unfair advantage to a public officer and relatives. The witness testified that Emefiele allegedly signed and approved the award and payments of contracts to April 1616 Investment Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited, which allegedly belong to Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, his wife Margaret Emefiele, and his brother-in-law respectively.

The companies were awarded about 45 contracts to supply Toyota Vehicles. The investigation revealed that the company was not even accredited by Toyota. The witness also testified that the defendant used his office and position to confer a corrupt advantage to one of the staff of CBN, Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, to supply one unit of Toyota Land Cruiser V8 at the cost of N73,800,000.

The defendant also approved the payment of renovation of the CBN Governors’ residence at No 2. Global Road, Ikoyi, Lagos to a company named Architekon Nigeria Limited, where his wife and brother-in-law are both directors. A contract to procure furniture items was also awarded to his brother-in-law in the sum of N97,000,000.

Justice Muazu adjourned the matter till 25 and 26 April 2024 for continuation of trial.