Federal Government witness Michael Agboro testified in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, stating that Emefiele did not confer any unfair advantage on himself in awarding contracts to certain companies during his time at the apex bank. Emefiele faces charges of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretense.
Agboro, an investigator with the ICPC, presented documents alleging that Emefiele favored April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd due to connections with his wife and brother-in-law. However, Agboro clarified that Emefiele did not personally benefit from these contracts.
During cross-examination, Agboro admitted that there was no evidence of Emefiele being a director or shareholder in the companies, nor did he receive payments from them. Agboro also acknowledged that he did not verify if the contracted work was completed.
The witness further confirmed that Emefiele’s wife’s involvement in Architekon was based on documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission, but he could not recall if Emefiele denied her directorship during an interview. Agboro also admitted that they did not interview Emefiele’s wife or brother-in-law regarding their roles in the companies.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the trial for further cross-examination on April 25. Emefiele is accused of obtaining $6,230,000 under false pretenses, claiming it was in line with a presidential directive. The trial continues as Emefiele maintains his innocence amidst the corruption allegations.
