Emefiele’s Woe Escalates as EFCC Files New Charges, Includes Forgery and Corruption Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has amended its charges against the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in an FCT High Court. Initially facing six counts, Emefiele is now confronted with a 20-count charge related to alleged breaches of procurement procedures in awarding a contract to April1616 Investment Limited.

Last August, the EFCC had filed charges against Emefiele, Sa’adatu Yaro, and April 1616 Investment Limited for purportedly violating the procurement Act during the purchase of vehicles. However, on November 28, 2023, the agency’s lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), presented an amended charge dated November 8, 2023, reducing the counts to six, with Emefiele as the sole defendant. Emefiele pleaded not guilty to these charges.

Justice Hamza Muazu granted Emefiele bail in November 2023, setting it at N300 million and requiring two sureties of equal sum with property in Abuja’s Maitama district. Additionally, the sureties were mandated to provide title documents and certificates of occupancy (C of O) for verification. Emefiele was also instructed to surrender his travel documents and remain within Abuja during the trial period.

In a recent development, the EFCC filed another amended charge against Emefiele, this time reinstating the 20 counts and including charges such as forgery, conferring of corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust, among others. Responding to this, Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), requested time to study the new charge sheet. Consequently, Justice Muazu adjourned the case until Friday for arraignment.

Burkaa also informed the court that Emefiele filed a motion on January 10, seeking a variation of the bail conditions to allow him to travel within Nigeria. The prosecution did not object to this but urged the court to ensure that Emefiele remains within the country throughout the trial. Justice Muazu granted the request, ordering Emefiele to stay in Nigeria for the trial’s duration.

Vanguard News