The charges against Emefiele, brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allege that he exploited his position to confer a corrupt advantage on his wife, Margaret, and brother-in-law. This was supposedly achieved by approving a payment of N97.9 million in favor of Architekon Nigeria Ltd, where the duo holds directorial positions, for the supply of office furniture to the CBN. Additionally, Emefiele faces accusations of awarding a N99.8 million contract to the same company for the external renovation of the CBN Governor’s residence in Lagos.
During the cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), Omowera clarified that ten individuals were involved in the approval process. However, he emphasized that Emefiele, as the head of the CBN at the time, bears the ultimate responsibility for the decisions made.
Responding to questions, Omowera stated, “There are ten minutes and one approval, so one person takes the responsibility. He (Emefiele) is the head of the CBN, and the buck stops on his table.”
Burkaa also inquired if Emefiele conferred a corrupt advantage on himself, to which the witness responded, “No. Why I said no is because we limited our investigation to his relatives and associates and not him.”
Earlier, during evidence led by the EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Omowera revealed that his investigations indicated that Emefiele conferred a corrupt and unfair advantage on Architekon Nigeria Limited and April 1616. Notably, Emefiele’s wife, Margaret Omoyile, is listed as a director of Archtekon Nigeria Limited, and she registered the company using her maiden name.
Omowera also highlighted that a CBN staff member, Sa’adatu Yaro, serves as the Director of April 1616 Investment Limited. The company was awarded numerous contracts for the supply of over 45 Toyota Hilux Vehicles, with values ranging from N854,700,000 to N99,900,000.
The investigator further disclosed that Yaro’s husband had other companies, but they were not patronized by CBN, except the one in which his wife served as a director. Notably, April 1616 Investment Limited was incorporated shortly after Yaro’s employment with the CBN and her posting to the CBN Lagos office in 2018.
Expressing investigative curiosity, Omowera raised questions about how a company with no track record could consistently secure bids against Toyota-accredited competitors. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until April 25 for the continuation of the trial.
It’s noteworthy that the EFCC had earlier declared Emefiele’s wife and three others wanted for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to misappropriate funds belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
