A prosecution witness, Mr Stephen Gana, on Monday told an Abuja High Court that two companies belonging to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele got preferential treatments in vehicle procurement contracts bidding.

The witness, made this known while testifying in the case of alleged procurement fraud preferred against Emefiele  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Gana who is the Prosecution Witness (PW10), was the former Head of 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 Toyota vehicles obtained at the cost of N99,900,000 was acquired by the CBN from April ”1616” Company Ltd through direct procurement .

Referring to Exhibit F5, Gana said two Toyota hilux were obtained at the cost of 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 at the CBN, contracts could be awarded through direct procurement or selective bidding.

He added, depending on the guidance of the Director of procurement department who works in 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 Oct. 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, however, did not object to the prayer but pointed out that cost of movement was high now and such be considered.

Justice Hamza Muazu then adjourned the matter until Nov 13, for continuation and hearing of the application.

Earlier, the defence counsel, Burkaa, had opposed the prosecution’s amended additional proof of evidence served on them.

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 of new witnesses to testify.

NAN reports that 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 and purported 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 unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd in suit marked: FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

A Moscow court fined Telegram Messager four million rubles (41,400 U.S. dollars) for refusing to delete information banned in Russia, the court press service said.

Telegram was found guilty of committing an administrative offence for failing to “remove information when such removal is required by Russian law,” the court said in a statement.

The court, however, did not specify the prohibited information that led to the fine.

In August, Telegram was fined four million rubles for a similar offence.

With approximately 900 million subscribers, Telegram is now one of the world’s leading messaging platforms and influential in Russia.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the independence and sanctity of the judiciary.

Tinubu made the commitment while swearing in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kekere-Ekun, the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, was sworn in following her confirmation by the Senate.

Four former chief justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the judiciary divisions, witnessed the swearing of Kekere-Ekun.

Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

“The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.

“Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

“For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary,” said the President.

He said while the presidency and the judiciary may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under his watch, the government would also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two arms of government.

“We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy,” the president said.

He reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.

He urged Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

“The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,” he said.

The President lauded Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.

“This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating,” he said.

The president commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, Alhaji Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.