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Emefiele gave his companies preferential treatment in vehicle procurement, witness tells court
Emefiele gave his companies preferential treatment in vehicle procurement, witness tells court
A prosecution witness, Stephen Gana, told the Abuja High Court on Monday that two companies belonging to the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, got preferential treatment in vehicle procurement contracts bidding.
The witness made this known while testifying in the case of alleged procurement fraud preferred against Mr Emefiele by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr Gana, the Prosecution Witness (PW10), was the former head of the procurement department.
The witness, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), confirmed that he was in office when contracts for vehicles contained in Exhibits F4 to F45 were approved.
The witness told the court that the CBN acquired Toyota vehicles at N99,900,000 from April ”1616” Company Ltd through direct procurement.
Referring to Exhibit F5, Mr Gana said two Toyota Hilux were obtained at N23,100,000 each through selective bidding.
He said April 1616 company was awarded the contract, having placed the lowest bid and aligning with the CBN’s in-house estimate of the same sum.
Earlier, the witness had testified that contracts could be awarded through direct procurement or selective bidding at the CBN.
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He added that it depends on the guidance of the director of the procurement department, who works in a team with the deputy director, the head of procurement (himself), and the procurement officer.
After his testimony, the prosecution counsel prayed the court to grant him an adjournment different from the earlier date of October 22.
”I am appearing in a case filed by Kogi and 15 other states against the EFCC in the Supreme Court on Tuesday,” he told the court.
The defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, did not object to the prayer but pointed out that the cost of movement was high now and such be considered.
Justice Hamza Muazu then adjourned the matter until November 13 for continuation and hearing of the application.
Earlier, the defence counsel, Mr Burkaa, had opposed the prosecution’s amended additional proof of evidence served on them.
Mr Burkaa challenged the process and manifestation of intent to call two witnesses who were not listed earlier.
He said the defence was not challenging the charge but bringing in new witnesses to testify.
Mr Emefiele was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence when he served as the apex bank’s boss.
Among the allegations was that the former CBN boss forged a document titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 purported the same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF).
He is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer an unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd, in the suit marked: FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.
Emefiele gave his companies preferential treatment in vehicle procurement, witness tells court
(NAN)
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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