April 06, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has filed a fresh 26-count Charge against Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The charges filed before the Lagos High Court, Ikeja on April 3, by EFCC Prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), alleges abuse of office and corruption, against the former apex bank chief.
Among the counts outlined in the charge sheet, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele, between 2022 and 2023, abused his authority by arbitrarily allocating foreign exchange totaling $2.1 billion without proper bidding processes, thus undermining the rights of Nigerians.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that Emefiele as CBN Governor, accepted gratification, gifts through agents, receipt of property fraudulently obtained, as well as conferring corrupt advantage on his associates contrary to the Corrupt Practices Act of 2000.
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.”
A report by Channels Tv, said, Emefiele is scheduled to face arraignment before Justice Rahman Oshodi, on Monday, April 8.
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