The adjournment of the trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele to Thursday and Friday, January 18 and 19, 2024, was announced by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Regarding an alleged N1.6 billion in procurement fraud, Emefiele is confronted with an amended six-count charge.
Emefiele entered a not-guilty plea to the charges and was released on parole in the amount of N300 million with two sureties on Friday, November 17.
He was held in remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the conditions of his parole were satisfied.
During the recommenced hearing, a prosecution witness who held a high-ranking position within the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) stated that Emefiele had no ownership or shareholder status in April 1616 Investment Limited. This particular company had been granted the N1.2 billion vehicle supply contract by the CBN while Emefiele was in charge.
On August 1, 2016, the witness, whose identity was withheld from the court, presented several documents that elaborated on the formation of the company. Additionally, he announced the shareholders’ identities, which comprise Aminu Yaro, Maryam Abdullahi, and Saadatu Yaro, who hold joint ownership in the organization.
Mathew Burkaa, the attorney representing Emefiele, refrained from providing any commentary on the events of the day, emphasizing that Emefiele has not yet complied with the stipulations of his parole.
The counsel for the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declined to comment on the proceedings as well.