Godwin Emefiele, the troubled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has entered a not guilty plea to charges of misusing his position and allocating billions of dollars from the United States.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Emefiele on Monday before the Ikeja State High Court in Lagos.
Before Justice Rahman Oshodi, Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Isioma Omole, were charged on 26 charges.
Marked ID/23787c/2024 and dated April 3, 2024, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) filed the charge on behalf of the EFCC.
Emefiele was accused by the commission of carrying out an arbitrary act in Lagos between 2020 and 2021, which was detrimental to Nigerian rights, by abusing his authority as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Specifically, the act involved allocating foreign exchange in the amount of $291,945,785.59 without any bids.
According to the EFCC, the former governor of the highest bank in Nigeria was directed to carry out an arbitrary act in 2021 in Lagos that was "prejudicial to the rights of Nigerians" and was "directed to be done in abuse of your office, as the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria."
"Judge Muazu granted Emefiele bail, and he has been appearing at the FCT High Court for his trial. He has never missed a hearing since that bail was granted, and the prosecution is practically finished building its case. Attorney Lebi Lawal stated, "The defendant has always obediently shown up in court to address the accusations made against him.
"The EFCC called him on Thursday of last week to inform him that two charges had been brought against him. He has already re-appeared in court to address the charges against him. He poses no risk to flight.
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