The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that one of its key witnesses defended vehicle procurement contracts awarded during the tenure of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
In a statement on Tuesday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, clarified that the prosecution witness, former CBN procurement department head Salawu Gana, did not support the contracts but exposed irregularities in the bidding process.
Contrary to reports suggesting that Gana testified in favour of the contracts, Oyewale emphasised that the witness disclosed how confidential bidding information was leaked to April 1616, giving the company an unfair advantage.
Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 3, 2025, Gana revealed that the contract awards for vehicle procurement at the CBN were skewed in favour of April 1616 due to leaked information.
During his testimony, led by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Gana stated that three companies—RT Briscoe, Globe Motors, and April 1616—submitted quotations. However, April 1616 secured the contract because it had prior knowledge of its competitors’ bids.
“We initiated the procurement process and requested quotations from Globe Motors, RT Briscoe, and April 1616. April 1616 was given a guide to the in-house estimate, allowing it to submit the lowest bid at N69 million, compared to RT Briscoe’s N77,050,000 and Globe Motors’ N77,179,999,” Oyewale quoted Gana as telling the court.
Gana further testified that while April 1616 was privy to confidential pricing information, the other bidders were not and the procurement was subsequently approved by Emefiele.
The former CBN governor is currently facing a 20-count amended charge, including allegations of conferring corrupt advantages, criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy and obtaining $6.23 million by false pretences.
