BREAKING: EFCC Files Fresh 26-Count Charge Against Emefiele For Alleged Corruption, Abuse Of Office

The EFCC initiates legal action against former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, filing a fresh 26-count charge encompassing allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

Emefiele faces arraignment before the Lagos High Court on April 8, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated legal proceedings against the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, with a fresh 26-count charge.

VerseNews gathered that these charges primarily revolve around allegations of abuse of office and corruption.

Emefiele is scheduled to face arraignment before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on Monday, April 8.

The charges laid against him include accusations of accepting gratification, receiving gifts through intermediaries, engaging in corrupt practices, unlawfully acquiring property, and providing corrupt advantages to associates. These allegations contravene the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Act of 2000.

The charge sheet, filed by EFCC Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) on April 3rd, underscores the serious nature of the accusations leveled against Emefiele. It outlines the specific charges and details the legal framework under which the prosecution is being pursued.

Count one of the charge reads, “that you, GODWIN IFEANYI EMEFIELE between 2022 and 2023, in Lagos, directed to be done in abuse of the authority of your office, as the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, an arbitrary act, to wit: allocating foreign exchange in the aggregate sum of $2,136,391,737.33 (Two Billion, One Hundred and thirty-six million, three hundred and ninety-one thousand, seven hundred and thirty-seven Dollars, thirty-three cents) without bids, which act is prejudicial to the rights of Nigerians.”

This development has drawn significant attention and scrutiny, as Emefiele, who served as the head of Nigeria’s apex bank, wielded considerable influence and played a pivotal role in the country’s financial landscape.

The case signifies another high-profile legal battle in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law.

Emefiele’s appearance before the court on April 8 is anticipated to mark a crucial juncture in the legal proceedings, shedding light on the veracity of the allegations and the potential implications for the former CBN governor.