Stephen Gana, a prosecution witness, who testified in the alleged vehicle procurement fraud trial of the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has told an Abuja High Court that Emefiele’s two companies received preferential treatments.
Gana, who served as the Head of Procurement at the CBN, under cross-examination by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepob (SAN), on Monday, confirmed that he was in office when contracts for vehicles were approved.
Gana, who served as the Head of Procurement at the CBN, under cross-examination by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepob (SAN), on Monday, confirmed that he was in office when contracts for vehicles were approved.
Emefiele is facing trial on alleged vehicle procurement fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The witness told the court that the apex bank acquired Toyota vehicles worth N99,900,000 from April “1616” Company Ltd. through direct procurement, adding that two Toyota Hilux vehicles were obtained at N23,100,000 each through selective bidding.
According to Gana, April 1616 was awarded the contract after submitting the lowest bid that matched the CBN’s internal estimate.
In his explanation of the procurement process at the CBN, Gana said contracts could be awarded via direct procurement or selective bidding, depending on the guidance of the Director of Procurement, in collaboration with the Deputy Director, the Head of Procurement (himself), and the procurement officer.
“I am appearing in a case filed by Kogi and 15 other states against the EFCC in the Supreme court on Tuesday,” he told the court.
The defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, however, did not object to the prayer but pointed out that cost of movement was high now and such be considered, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
After Gana’s testimony, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case until November 13 for further proceedings and consideration of the application.
Earlier, the defence counsel, Burkaa, had opposed the prosecution’s amended additional proof of evidence served on them.
Burkaa challenged the process and manifestation of intent to call two witnesses who were not listed earlier.
He said the defence was not challenging the charge but bringing in of new witnesses to testify.
NAN reports that Emefiele was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.
Among the allegations, Emefiele is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd in a suit numbered FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.
