EFCC re-accused ex-governor Godwin Emefiele of fraud charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria (EFCC) has re-accused ex-governor Godwin Emefiele of fraud charges. Goodwin is a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Godwin appeared on Friday before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory’s High Court (FCT) following the charges of EFCC. The EFCC has re-accused and filed a new 20-count allegation against ex-governor Godwin Emefiele. Earlier, his charges were six counts but have now been increased to twenty counts by EFCC.

EFCC re-arraigns Emefiele, pleads not guilty to chargeshttps://t.co/iRauwWl6dX
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The new charges involve criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to forge, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

However, the FCT court ordered Godwin to remain in Nigeria and follow the bail conditions, which limited his movements within the Federal Capital Territory.

The offense charges against Godwin refer to December 2014 when he used his position as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He granted a corrupt advantage to his wife, Omoile Margret, and brother-in-law, Omoile Macombo.

Godwin awarded a contract for the total renovation of the CBN Governor’s Residence to Margret and Macombo. It gave them the corrupt advantage of 82,086,129.30 Naira.

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Besides this, Godwin has been charged with exploiting his position as CBN governor. He gave unfairly six different contracts to Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, a CBN staff member. It totaled the illegitimate money to 1,210,600,000 Naira between 2018 and 2020.

However, Mathew Burkaa requested the court to let his client keep the bail previously given to him on Nov 22, 2023. Mathew is the lawyer of Godwin.

This application received no objections from the prosecution. However, the prosecutor wanted Godwin to appear in court to face charges.

The court then ordered the former CBN governor to continue to enjoy his bail as previously granted. Shortly after taking his plea, trial judge Hamza Muazu adjourned the case until February 12 and 13, 2024, to begin the trial.