An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a High Court in Abuja that former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, was not a signatory to the accounts of companies linked to an alleged contract fraud case involving the apex bank.
The case forms part of ongoing legal proceedings involving allegations of procurement fraud and abuse of office during Emefiele’s tenure as CBN governor.
The EFCC is prosecuting the former apex bank chief over claims that contracts were improperly awarded to certain companies.
The trial is being heard at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, where multiple witnesses have been called to provide evidence related to the alleged transactions between 2018 and 2020.
The EFCC investigator, David Jaiyeoba, testified as the 12th prosecution witness during cross-examination by defence counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN).
Jaiyeoba told the court that Emefiele “was not a signatory” to the bank account of April 1616 Nigeria Limited, one of the firms allegedly involved in the contract deals.
He also stated that he could not confirm whether the defendant was a director or shareholder of the company.
The witness further told the court that Emefiele was neither a signatory, director nor shareholder of Architekon Nigeria Limited, another company linked to the alleged contracts.
According to the prosecution, the EFCC is charging Emefiele with offences including criminal breach of trust, forgery, obtaining by false pretence, procurement fraud and conspiracy.
The agency alleged that the former CBN governor conferred corrupt advantages on the two companies in the award of contracts by the apex bank.
In earlier testimony, a former CBN procurement official, Salawu Gana, told the court that bidding information for contracts was allegedly leaked to a company associated with Sa’adatu Ramalan-Yaro, identified as a CBN staff member.
During proceedings, the witness also stated that he did not personally interview Emefiele during the investigation.
He said the EFCC team was divided between Lagos and Abuja, with other officers conducting the interview.
Jaiyeoba added that he did not visit the defendant’s residence or project sites linked to the case, noting that the investigation relied largely on documents and statements obtained from suspects.
The testimony forms part of ongoing judicial proceedings that will determine the outcome of the allegations against the former CBN governor.
Witness accounts and documentary evidence presented in court are central to establishing the facts of the case.
Legal experts and stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial and governance sectors are closely monitoring the case due to its implications for public procurement processes and institutional accountability.
