Again, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has re-arraigned a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
Emefiele was re-arraigned on Friday, on 20-count amended charges bordering on conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery and obtaining by false pretences to the tune of $6,230,000.00.
EFCC spokesman, Mr. Dele Oyewale, accuses Governor Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele of using his position to give a corrupt advantage to Sa`adatu Ramallan Yaro, a Central Bank staff member, by awarding a contract for 37 Toyota Hilux Vehicles.
The Statement explains that before Emefiele took his not guilty plea, his counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN objected to the charges, citing Section 221 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
However, Justice Muazu , relying on Section 396 of the Act, overruled his objection, stating that any objection in respect of the charges should be heard after the defendant has taken his plea.
He also advised the defence counsel to tender his objection in writing. Upon Emefiele’s not guilty plea to all the charges, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN asked the court for a trial date.
Justice Muazu adjourned the matter till February 12 and 13, 2024 for continuation of trial and sustained the bail earlier granted to the defendant
The EFCC, had on November 17, 2023 arraigned the former CBN governor before Justice Muazu on six-count charges bordering on procurement fraud to which he also pleaded not guilty.
Radio Nigeria
