In a dramatic turn of events, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, found himself facing the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, on Friday. Emefiele, clad in an ash-coloured pair of trousers and a dark jacket, stood before the court on a 20-count charge, spanning allegations of corruption and forgery.
Allegations and Arraignment
Originally facing six counts of N1.2 billion procurement allegations, he’s case took a new twist when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amended the charges. The former CBN governor, upon hearing the amended 20-count charge on Friday, pleaded not guilty.
The amended charges included accusations of forgery, conferring a corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust. The former CBN governot was specifically accused of obtaining $6.2 million by false pretence, misrepresenting the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Specific Charges
The charge read, “That you, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele male, adult, and Odoh, Eric Ocheme (Still at large) on or about the 8th day of February 2023 in Abuja… obtained by false pretence, the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand united state dollar ($6.230m) by falsely representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation…”
Additionally, Emefiele was accused of conspiring with Eric Ocheme to commit forgery, and conferring corrupt advantages on his wife and brother-in-law by awarding a contract for the renovation of the CBN Governor’s residence.
Defense and Trial
Emefiele, accompanied by his legal team and associates, will face trial starting February 12 and 13, 2024. His defense counsel, Mathew Bukka, thanked the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, for allowing Emefiele to remain on bail ahead of the trial. Bukka emphasized compliance with the rule of law and acknowledged the prosecution’s right to amend the charges.
The legal proceedings promise to be a closely watched case, as the former CBN governor defends himself against a range of serious charges, including forgery, corruption, and abuse of office.