News

CBN’S Incomplete Exhibits Stalls Emefiele’s Trial Over Alleged $6m Procurement Fraud

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2024

Editor

The inability of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to ferry complete exhibits to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court on Monday stalled the trial of the former governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, over alleged $6 million procurement fraud.

The exhibits were to be tendered against Emefiele by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to establish the corruption charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

However, midway into Monday’s proceedings, it was discovered that the documents brought to court by CBN were incomplete.

The documents were in relation to the disbursement of $6,230,000, said to be for international election observers, and falsely obtained by Emefiele.

At the resumed trial, lead counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had called the first prosecution witness, (PW 1) Onyeka Ogbu, a Deputy Director in CBN Branch Operations.

The witness told the court how, on January 8, 2023, a request for payment of $6,230,000 was brought to his attention by the Banking Services Department.

He explained that the duty of his department is to make payment, but does not have power to approve.

The witness said that having gone through the documents and being satisfied, he minuted on it, sent it for processing and disbursement which was complied with.

The documents relating to request for the money were all identified but two were found missing leading to the prosecution counsel asking for a stand down to enable him get the missing pages.

However, lead counsel to Emefiele, Mr Mathew Burkaa, SAN, opposed the request for stand down of the trial and opted for an adjournment.

He said adjournment was better to allow EFCC get all the certified true copies and also for the witness to be cross examined.

After listening to their submissions, Justice Muazu adjourned until February 13 for continuation of trial.

It will be recalled that EFCC arraigned Emefiele in court on amended 20- count charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others.

The former CBN governor however pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.

Following his plea and the request of his counsel for him to remain on his existing bail condition, Justice Hamza Muazu granted the request.

In some of the amended charges EFCC alleged that Emefiele, in January. 2023, forged a document titled: ‘RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS’, dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

The EFCC said Emefiele made the claim despite knowing that it was false “and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act”.

According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201″.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s Lodge, located at No. 2 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was awarded to a company named Messrs. Architekon Nigeria Limited, “wherein the duo are directors and majority shareholders”.

The offences according to EFCC contravened sections 17, 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000, as well as sections 315, 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.

The anti-graft agency had in August, first charged Emefiele and one Mrs Sa’adatu Yaro and a company, April 1616 Investment Limited, purported to belong to Mrs Yaro, over alleged breach of the Procurement Act in respect of the purchase of some vehicles.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.