N6.9bn Procurement Fraud: Federal Government Arraigns Emefiele, Allies Thursday

On Thursday, the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, along with his associates, is set to be arraigned by the Federal Government on charges of N6.9 billion procurement fraud at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The arraignment and mention in court involve Emefiele, a female CBN employee named Sa’adatu Yaro, and her company, April 1616 Investment Limited. They face 20 charges related to procurement fraud, conspiracy, and conferring corrupt advantages on associates.

Emefiele, who has been in detention since his suspension from office on June 9 by President Bola Tinubu, is accused of conferring corrupt advantages on Yaro, who is a director in April 1616 Investment Ltd. This offense is against Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The charges allege that the accused purchased a fleet of over 98 luxury vehicles and armored buses valued at around N6.9 billion between 2018 and 2020. The vehicles include Toyota Hilux vehicles, armored Mercedes Benz buses, Toyota Landcruisers, and a Toyota Avalon car.

Emefiele’s charges include counts of conferring corrupt advantage and conspiracy. If found guilty, he could face up to five years of imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The accused are accused of fraudulent acquisition of property, corrupt practices, and misusing their positions in awarding contracts for the supply of vehicles, indicating various acts of alleged wrongdoing.

Witnesses listed in the case include officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria who are expected to provide testimony in court.

In a separate matter, a Federal High Court in Lagos will also decide on the application to withdraw the charges of illegal possession of firearms against Emefiele on the same day.