Reading Time: < 1 minute
The looming legal battle intensifies as the Federal Government prepares to arraign the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Tomorrow marks a crucial date for Emefiele, facing an amended 20-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by Senior Advocate Rotimi Oyedepo and three others on behalf of the Attorney-General.
Initially facing a 6-count charge of alleged fraudulent procurement in August 2023, Emefiele pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on November 22, 2023, by Justice Hamza Muazu. The EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, confirms the upcoming arraignment, revealing an escalation from 6 to 20 counts. The amended charge introduces new allegations, including fraudulent award of contracts to Emefiele’s wife, Omoile Margret, his brother-in-law, Omoile Macombo, and other associates. It encompasses counts related to conspiracy to commit forgery, conferring of corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust.
Count 1 of the charge accuses Emefiele of conferring corrupt advantage by awarding a contract for the supply of 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles at the cost of N854,700,000 to Sa’aclatu Ramallan Yaro, a staff of the Central Bank. Count 7 alleges a similar offense in December 2014, involving the renovation of the CBN Governor’s Residence.
Count 17 introduces a charge of conspiracy to commit felony, specifically forgery, relating to a document titled “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS” dated January 26, 2023.
As Emefiele faces this legal ordeal, the Federal Capital Territory High Court will also address his request to travel out of Abuja. However, the court emphasizes that any travel must adhere to bail terms restricting his movements to the Federal Capital Territory.
