The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, filed an amended 20-count charge against Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in an FCT High Court.
Previously, the EFCC charged Emefiele to court on six counts. They asserted a breach of procurement procedure in awarding the contract to April 1616 Investment Limited.
In August 2023, the anti-graft agency prosecuted Emefiele and Sa’adatu Yaro, as well as the firm April 1616 Investment Limited, for violating the Procurement Act. This was in relation to the acquisition of some vehicles.
Also, on November 28, 2023, the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), brought to the court’s attention an amended charge dated November 8, 2023.
In that charge, Emefiele was the only defendant, and the counts were reduced from 20 to six. Emefiele pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Granting bail to the accused in the sum of N300 million, Muazu also demanded two sureties in the amount of N300 million. He also stated that they must own property in the Maitama neighborhood of Abuja.
The sureties must also produce the title documents and certificates of occupancy to the court for verification.
The judge further stated that Emefiele must give his travel documents to the court’s registrar and remain in Abuja during his trial.
However, when the case came up today, Oyedepo informed the court that they had filed another revised charge of 20 counts against the former CBN boss yesterday.
The new charges include forgery, conferring a corrupt advantage, and criminal breach of trust, among others.
Responding, the defendant’s attorney, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), stated that he needs time to review the amended charge sheet.
Justice Muazu then adjourned the case until Friday for arraignment.
Also, Emefiele’s counsel, Burkaa, informed the Court that the defendant submitted an application on January 10 seeking a variation of the bail condition to allow him to travel within the country.
He requested that the court change the conditions for his client.
Prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) did not oppose the application, instead urging the court to guarantee that the defendant remains in the nation during his trial.
He also requested that the defense team provide a commitment that their client would remain in the country.
In granting the application, Justice Muazu ordered Emefiele to remain in Nigeria until his trial.
