The Nigerian Federal Government is preparing to prosecute Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for his involvement in a N6.9 billion procurement scandal. Alongside Emefiele, Sa’adatu Yaro and her firm, April1616 Investment Limited, will also face the court.
The trio is charged with procurement fraud, conspiracy, and providing corrupt benefits to associates.
The allegations suggest that Emefiele abused his position by favoring Yaro, who is both a CBN staff member and a director at April1616 Investment Ltd.
The charges detail the purchase of 98 high-end vehicles, including 84 Toyota Hilux cars, 10 armored Mercedes Benz buses, and more, between 2018 and 2020.
This act violates the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. If found guilty, Emefiele could be imprisoned for up to five years without the possibility of a fine.
Several high-ranking CBN officials, including the Director of Procurement, Stanley Alvan, are set to testify against the accused.
In a parallel case, a decision regarding Emefiele’s alleged illegal possession of firearms is pending at a Lagos Federal High Court.
