Emefiele’s Trial: Witness Reveals Irregularities in Contract Award.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Stephen Salau Gana, exposed irregularities in contract awards during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.

 Key Testimony

1. No competitive bidding for April 16 Investment Limited’s N99.9 million vehicle supply contract.
2. Contract exceeded CBN governor’s approval threshold (N100 million).
3. Direct procurement justified only in emergencies, sole manufacturer/distributor, or exclusive dealership cases.
4. April 16 Investment Limited met none of these conditions.

 Prosecution’s Case

Emefiele faces amended 20-count charges:

1. Conspiracy
2. Criminal breach of trust
3. Forgery
4. Obtaining $6,230,000 by false pretenses

 Trial Update

Justice Hamza Mu’azu adjourned the case to November 13, 2024, for continuation.

Defense and Prosecution

• Defense counsel to respond to allegations.
• Prosecution to present additional witnesses.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Court Denies Bail to Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants in N110.4 Billion Fraud Case.

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, co-defendants of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 Reasons for Dismissal

The defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN) and A.M. Aliyu (SAN), argued that their clients were due for release from the EFCC’s holding facility, but prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) opposed their release, citing the lack of formal written applications. Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.

 Background of the Case

Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024, and remanded in the EFCC’s custody. Yahaya Bello, the former governor, has consistently refused to appear in court for his arraignment on 16-count charges of fraud totaling N110.4 billion.

Update on Yahaya Bello’s Case

During Thursday’s proceedings, Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC had complied with the earlier order to publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper. The court adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.

Related Developments

The Court of Appeal had previously ordered Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment, stating that no court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.

EFCC Charges Fake Nurse with N28.2m Fraud.

Blessing Amaka David-Agwa, a fake fertility nurse, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 45 counts of fraudulent impersonation, forgery, and obtaining money under false pretenses totaling N28.2 million. The defendant allegedly posed as a medical fertility nurse, claiming to assist women in getting pregnant easily, and defrauded over 45 innocent women.

Charges Against David-Agwa

• Count 41: Obtaining N1.6 million from Okenwa Joy Chiamaka under false pretensesa
• Count 24: Obtaining N1.25 million from Amarachi Okpala under false pretenses

David-Agwa pleaded not guilty to all charges. The EFCC counsel, Blessing N. Obasi, requested a trial date and remand at the Enugu State Correctional Facility, while the defense counsel, G. C. Madubuegwu, filed a bail application.

Bail Application

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar adjourned the matter to November 12, 2024, for ruling on the bail application. The defendant was remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility.

Investigation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) handed David-Agwa over to the EFCC on August 28, 2024, after discovering she was impersonating a medical fertility nurse. Investigations revealed she allegedly forged certificates from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.