Ex-CBN Governor, Emefiele Remanded in Kuje Prison Amidst Procurement Fraud Trial

Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been arraigned at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge related to procurement fraud, and he was subsequently remanded at the Kuje correctional facility.

Emefiele, who pleaded “not guilty,” appeared in court wearing a light blue traditional outfit.

The federal government reduced the initial criminal charges to six, and the trial has faced delays, including one due to a nationwide strike.

The amended charge accuses Emefiele of using his position to confer a corrupt advantage by awarding a N1.6 billion contract for the procurement of 43 vehicles between 2018 and 2020.

The charges specify vehicles such as Toyota Hilux and Toyota Landcruiser, with the alleged fraud’s value reduced from N6.9 billion to N1.6 billion.

Emefiele’s detention, initially lasting 151 days, saw him granted bail on November 8, pending a bail ruling on November 22.

The arrest and legal proceedings stem from his suspension by President Bola Tinubu in June. Emefiele faced earlier charges related to “illegal possession” of firearms, but these were withdrawn, leading to a new 20-count charge filed before the FCT High Court by the federal ministry of justice.