The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, before a High Coury of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT),on Friday. The charges, which include alleged money laundering and abuse of office, were presented before Justice Hamza Muazu.
Emefiele, upon the reading of the six-count charges, entered a plea of not guilty to all allegations. The counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), argued against granting the accused bail, expressing concerns that Emefiele might flee. In response, Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), requested bail for his client, arguing that there is ample evidence to prove that Emefiele will not jump bail.
The court, considering both arguments, ruled that the former CBN Governor be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre until November 22. This date has been set for the determination of the former CBN Governor’s application for bail. Additionally, November 28 has been scheduled as the commencement of his trial.
In a parallel legal avenue, Emefiele is expected to appear before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the same FCT High Court for a fundamental human rights enforcement case. This is in response to Emefiele’s alleged illegal detention for a period spanning 151 days.
